A shocking revelation, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global terror financing watchdog, has exposed the sinister activities of a "violent extremist organization under investigation" in India. The organization, allegedly the Popular Front of India (PFI), has been accused of employing sophisticated methods to collect funds through well-structured networks, both offline and online.
The FATF's latest report, titled 'Crowdfunding for Terrorism Financing,' unveils the modus operandi of this clandestine group. Operating under the radar, the organization utilized a range of tactics, including circulating QR codes and account details, to solicit funds at mosques and public places. The funds collected were then funneled into procuring arms and ammunition, as well as training their cadres in acts of violence.
The scale of their operation is staggering, with over 3,000 bank accounts and informal value transfer systems being employed across the country. The FATF points out that these transactions involved both domestic and foreign accounts, making the investigation particularly challenging. The funds, the report reveals, were not only used for immediate purposes like purchasing weapons and training but also invested in businesses and real estate projects, generating a steady income for their nefarious activities.
The depth of the organization's reach is alarming, with the FATF reporting that eight individuals in leadership roles have already been arrested on charges related to terrorist financing. Prosecution complaints have been filed, and a whopping Rs 3.5 crore in assets are now being targeted for confiscation.
The spotlight falls on the Popular Front of India (PFI), a controversial organization that emerged in 2007 after the merger of three Muslim groups in southern India. Claiming to champion the rights of minorities, Dalits, and marginalized communities, the PFI has come under intense scrutiny.
The Central government's crackdown on the PFI and its affiliates last year, declaring them an "unlawful association," reflects the gravity of the situation. The Ministry of Home Affairs targeted not only the PFI but also its associates, including Rehab India Foundation, Campus Front of India, All India Imams Council, National Confederation of Human Rights Organization, National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation, and Rehab Foundation, Kerala.
As India braces itself for the FATF's onsite assessment in November, the nation awaits the unfolding of a critical chapter in the fight against terror financing. The intricate web of crowdfunding and the subsequent use of funds for violent activities underscore the need for a united front against such organizations. The global community's vigilance and collaborative efforts are paramount in dismantling these networks and safeguarding the world against the looming threat of terrorism.
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