Mumbai Police Uncover Major Terror Funding Scheme Linked to Fake Passport Racket
Mumbai Police's Significant Discovery
Photo: IANS
Mumbai, April 11: A major breakthrough has been achieved by the Mumbai Police, revealing a significant terror funding scheme associated with a suspected hawala operation. The primary suspect, Salim Sheikh, is accused of producing counterfeit passports for nearly 40 individuals utilizing forged documentation.
The Anti-Terrorism Branch of the Special Branch executed coordinated raids across three sites in the Kurar region of Malad, resulting in the apprehension of Mohammed Islam Ismail Khan, also known as Salim Rahmatullah Sheikh (49). During these operations, vital evidence was seized, including a Kuwaiti Civil ID and documents related to various identities. This case is expected to be handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation.
According to police sources, personal documents belonging to around 40 individuals were confiscated from the suspect's location. Initial investigations indicate these documents were utilized to secure passports under false identities, raising alarms about their potential exploitation in unlawful activities.
Additionally, investigators found two passports issued in the suspect's name—one from Hyderabad under a fictitious identity and another from Mumbai—suggesting a sophisticated network. The inquiry gained momentum following intelligence reports highlighting dubious financial transactions associated with the suspect.
Further investigation has disclosed that the suspect has traveled to Kuwait nearly 50 times over the last 22 years. Authorities are now attempting to identify his contacts during these visits and whether any questionable financial dealings occurred.
Moreover, a significant sum of cash was recovered from the suspect's home, including bundles of 500, 200, and 50-rupee notes. The police are currently probing the origins of these funds and their intended use.
Currently, law enforcement is conducting a thorough investigation into the entire situation and is also considering the possibility of connections to an international terror funding network. Officials are optimistic that this discovery could lead to the exposure of a substantial fake passport operation and a potential terror financing scheme.