ISIS arrest: Main handler sent Rs6 lakh to Mudabbir via hawala, say sources

Investigations have revealed that Mudabbir – the amir (chief) of ISIS’s wing in India – allegedly received the money through illegal hawala channels at Pydhonie

Shafi Armar alias Yusuf – the prime handler from Bhatkal responsible for inducting Indians into ISIS – had allegedly sent Rs6 lakh to Mudabbir Sheikh to carry out terror attacks in India.

Investigations have revealed that Mudabbir – the amir (chief) of ISIS’s wing in India – allegedly received the money through illegal hawala channels at Pydhonie. This has once again shifted focus on the intricate network of hawala operations that Indian Mujahideen (IM) has been using.

While this hawala operator has been identified and his statement has been recorded, investigators are trying to locate the individual, who accepted the money in a foreign country before it was transferred to Mumbai.

This has also led investigators to believe that Shafi was in touch with his IM counterparts operating out of the Middle-East, especially those holed up in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

Two more of IS-linked group detained, to be handed over to NIA

Police sources said Mudabbir had distributed the money among the other ISIS operatives to ensure they could fund their requirements to execute a terror plot.

“He kept about Rs1.5 lakh for future operations and used to take care of himself from the savings he had accumulated while he was employed,” said a police officer, who did not wish to be named.

Sources said with little being done to keep a check on the numerous hawala operators across the country, Shafi has been able to distribute money to lure people into the ISIS fold.

With Shafi creating various identities on social networking sites, it has become tough for investigating agencies to narrow down on the number of people he has either recruited, been in touch with or has been funding, the police officer said.

Shafi’s role was ascertained when five youths, associated with the ISIS, were arrested in Madhya Pradesh in April 2015.

Alarming numbers

The investigations have shifted focus on the intricate web of hawala operations that Indian Mujahideen (IM) has been using. The latest of report of the Financial Action Task Force shows that India has managed to freeze the accounts of only 37 individuals believed to be involved in terrorist activities, worth only 300,000 Euros, till August 2015.