ED Conducts Multi-City Raids on Al-Falah University, Expands Probe into Alleged Terror Financing

New Delhi, Nov 2025 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday intensified its investigation into suspected money laundering and alleged terror financing linked to the Delhi Red Fort blast case by conducting large-scale raids at more than 25 locations associated with the Al-Falah group. The probe, which has steadily expanded over recent months, now encompasses suspected financial crimes believed to have supported individuals accused in the blast that claimed 15 lives.

According to officials, the coordinated operation began at around 5:15 a.m., with ED teams simultaneously descending on multiple premises across the Delhi–National Capital Region (NCR), including the Okhla office of Al Falah University. The searches aim to uncover the financial network that investigators believe may have played a role in the broader conspiracy behind the blast.

The case initially stemmed from the involvement of Dr. Umar Nabi, a doctor associated with Al Falah University, who was identified as the driver of the i20 car that exploded near the Red Fort. Although the university initially denied any link with him or his associates, subsequent investigations by the Delhi Crime Branch and Haryana Police revealed alleged large-scale financial discrepancies within the institution. These findings prompted the ED to launch a formal money laundering probe.

During the ongoing raids, officials uncovered what they describe as a sophisticated network of financial irregularities. Investigators identified at least nine suspected shell companies linked to the Al-Falah group, all registered at a single address and currently under scrutiny. Preliminary findings point to several red flags commonly associated with shell entities and diversion of funds. These include:

• Absence of meaningful business activity or physical offices
• Shared mobile numbers and email IDs across multiple firms and bank accounts
• Incomplete or inconsistent EPFO and ESIC filings
• Overlapping directors and signatories with weak KYC documentation
• Minimal salary disbursal through legitimate banking channels
• Lack of proper human resources or payroll records

A senior ED official said, “We are closely examining the role of Al Falah Trust and related entities. Key personnel overseeing finance and administration are under heightened scrutiny as we assess the extent of financial violations.”

The investigation has also flagged possible inconsistencies in Al Falah University’s claims regarding its recognition by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). These claims are now being verified with the concerned academic and regulatory authorities.

The ED confirmed that Tuesday’s operations were part of a wider effort to examine the suspected flow of funds connected to the accused in the Red Fort blast. FIRs filed earlier by the Delhi Crime Branch and Haryana Police had highlighted alleged financial fraud within the university, raising suspicion of deeper financial linkages to the blast accused.

Officials said that what began as a probe into possible money laundering based on police FIRs has now expanded significantly. The agency is investigating a potential nexus between financial crimes within the Al-Falah ecosystem, the shell companies under its umbrella, and the individuals allegedly involved in the terror incident. Evidence so far suggests the possibility of funds being siphoned through shell entities for activities beyond legitimate institutional operations.

Searches at multiple premises, including residences of trustees, offices of related entities, and premises of individuals linked to the university, continued through the day. Documents, digital data, bank statements, and property records were seized for detailed forensic examination.

The ED stated that the investigation is ongoing and is likely to widen as more evidence emerges from the multi-city raids.