THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On September 25, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated coordinated raids at multiple suspected residences and offices across four districts in Kerala, in connection with their alleged ties to the banned organization, Popular Front of India (PFI).
A total of 12 locations in Malappuram, Wayanad, Thrissur, and Ernakulam are currently under investigation. These searches aim to uncover potential financial transactions involving PFI members, amidst ongoing reports of terror funding.
The investigation is linked to a money laundering case registered in Delhi, and 33 accounts associated with the PFI had been frozen earlier.
It has been reported that these searches will extend to various other members and premises associated with the PFI. According to sources, ED officials, in collaboration with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), initiated these raids at 6:00 AM this morning.
Simultaneously, searches are underway at the residence of PFI state leader Latheef in Chavakkad, Thrissur district. It is noteworthy that NIA had previously conducted a raid at his residence. However, intelligence sources suggest that Latheef has managed to escape to Saudi Arabia. In addition to Latheef, the ED also conducted searches at the residences of Abdul Samad in Wayanad, Abdul Jameel, and Noorul Amin in Malappuram.
The ED’s raids are primarily focused on uncovering evidence that could establish links between PFI leaders and hawala money transactions, as well as terror funding. These actions are based on information suggesting that substantial amounts of rupees were transferred to the bank accounts of PFI leaders from overseas sources for the purpose of funding terrorism activities.
It is worth noting that on September 28, 2022, the Central government imposed a five-year ban on the PFI and its associated outfits due to their involvement in unlawful activities. Subsequently, several PFI leaders were arrested in connection with terrorism-related activities.
Comments