Enforcement Directorate arrests Al-Falah Chairman Jawad Siddiqui

New Delhi, Nov 18: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of the Al Falah Group and Managing Trustee of the Al Falah Charitable Trust, in connection with an alleged money-laundering racket linked to fake accreditation claims, diversion of funds, and massive financial irregularities.

ED in a statement according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com said, Siddiqui was taken into custody under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, following extensive searches and the examination of evidence recovered during raids at premises linked to the Al Falah Group earlier in the day.

The ED initiated its probe on the basis of two FIRs registered by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police, which accused Al-Falah University, Faridabad, of fraudulently claiming NAAC accreditation and making misleading assertions about its recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956—an eligibility clause for receiving government grants.

The UGC, however, clarified that the university was recognised only under Section 2(f) as a State Private University and had never applied for 12(B) status, calling the alleged claims deceptive and unlawful.

The ED stated that the Al-Falah Charitable Trust—established in 1995 with Siddiqui as Managing Trustee—controls all educational institutions under the group. Despite its rapid growth over the decades, the agency claims the group’s rise is not supported by legitimate financials.

During today’s searches at 19 locations in Delhi, including university premises and residences of key individuals, the ED said it seized over Rs 48 lakh in cash, numerous digital devices, incriminating documents, and uncovered multiple shell companies allegedly used to siphon funds.

The agency alleges that crores of rupees in “proceeds of crime” were diverted from the trust to entities linked to Siddiqui’s family, including contracts for construction and catering awarded to firms owned by his wife and children. Investigators also say they have detected violations under several other laws.

According to the ED, evidence such as cash recoveries, diversion of trust funds, and “layering” through family-owned entities points toward Siddiqui’s “effective control” over the alleged laundering operations.

After establishing his “culpability,” the ED claims Siddiqui was arrested following due procedure and produced before a court to seek custodial remand.

The agency said further investigation is ongoing. (KDC)