The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 15 locations across Chennai, Coimbatore, Mumbai and Hyderabad in connection with its money laundering and terror financing investigation into the 2022 Coimbatore car bomb blast case, seizing digital devices and documents linked to financial transactions and property investments.
Coimbatore: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Chennai Zonal Office, on Thursday conducted simultaneous searches at 15 residential premises across Chennai, Coimbatore, Mumbai and Hyderabad as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering and terror financing linked to the 2022 Coimbatore car bomb blast case
The searches were carried out under Section 17(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, based on multiple FIRs registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VB IED) blast that occurred near the Arulmigu Kottai Sangameshwarar Temple in Coimbatore on October 23, 2022.
According to the ED, the blast was carried out by suicide bomber Jamesha Mubeen, who had allegedly pledged allegiance to the terrorist organisation ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) before his death. The agency said the attack was allegedly carried out to avenge the arrest of Mohammed Azarudeen, whom investigators described as a radical preacher accused of promoting ISIS ideology and influencing others to further the outfit's objectives in India.
The ED further stated that 12 accused including Jamesha Mubeen and Mohammed Azarudeen, had studied under Jameel Basha, the promoter of Madras Arabic College, also known as Kovai Arabic College. The agency alleged that Basha used the institution, under the guise of Arabic education, to propagate extremist ideology, including the promotion of violent jihad and the establishment of an Islamic state.
During the investigation, the ED claimed to have uncovered a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate racket that allegedly operated between August 2021 and June 2022. According to the agency, fake vaccination certificates were supplied to individuals in Tamil Nadu and Mumbai in exchange for money, and the proceeds were allegedly used to procure materials for the bomb blast as well as finance the activities of Madras Arabic College.
The investigation also found that Jameel Basha allegedly mobilised funds for the institution through donations and business investments from former students, investors and other individuals. The agency alleged that these funds were utilised to conduct online and offline classes aimed at indoctrinating youth with extremist ideology, besides meeting expenses related to foreign travel, personal expenditure and investments.
During the searches, ED officials seized mobile phones, laptops and other digital devices. The agency also recovered documents relating to financial transactions and investments in immovable properties allegedly linked to the accused.
The Enforcement Directorate said further investigation into the case is under way.
The searches were carried out under Section 17(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, based on multiple FIRs registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VB IED) blast that occurred near the Arulmigu Kottai Sangameshwarar Temple in Coimbatore on October 23, 2022.
According to the ED, the blast was carried out by suicide bomber Jamesha Mubeen, who had allegedly pledged allegiance to the terrorist organisation ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) before his death. The agency said the attack was allegedly carried out to avenge the arrest of Mohammed Azarudeen, whom investigators described as a radical preacher accused of promoting ISIS ideology and influencing others to further the outfit's objectives in India.
The ED further stated that 12 accused including Jamesha Mubeen and Mohammed Azarudeen, had studied under Jameel Basha, the promoter of Madras Arabic College, also known as Kovai Arabic College. The agency alleged that Basha used the institution, under the guise of Arabic education, to propagate extremist ideology, including the promotion of violent jihad and the establishment of an Islamic state.
During the investigation, the ED claimed to have uncovered a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate racket that allegedly operated between August 2021 and June 2022. According to the agency, fake vaccination certificates were supplied to individuals in Tamil Nadu and Mumbai in exchange for money, and the proceeds were allegedly used to procure materials for the bomb blast as well as finance the activities of Madras Arabic College.
The investigation also found that Jameel Basha allegedly mobilised funds for the institution through donations and business investments from former students, investors and other individuals. The agency alleged that these funds were utilised to conduct online and offline classes aimed at indoctrinating youth with extremist ideology, besides meeting expenses related to foreign travel, personal expenditure and investments.
During the searches, ED officials seized mobile phones, laptops and other digital devices. The agency also recovered documents relating to financial transactions and investments in immovable properties allegedly linked to the accused.
The Enforcement Directorate said further investigation into the case is under way.