The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested three youths from Bhiwandi in connection with a Rs 5 crore fraud allegedly carried out under the pretext of raising funds for victims of the Gaza conflict. Sources said a Greece-based operator instructed the trio to exploit humanitarian sentiments through social media campaigns to collect donations.
Senior ATS officials revealed that the accused, Mohammad Ayaan (22), Zaid Notiyar (22), and Abu Sufiyan (22), created multiple Instagram pages, WhatsApp groups, and other online platforms to circulate emotional appeals and videos highlighting the plight of women and children affected by the Gaza conflict. They allegedly urged people across India to contribute financially to “relief efforts,” providing their personal UPI IDs and bank account details to receive donations.
Investigations revealed that while crores of rupees were collected, a significant portion never reached any humanitarian channels. Instead, large sums were embezzled for personal gain and reportedly used for activities suspected to have anti-national links. The funds were systematically routed through digital wallets, layered bank transfers, and UPI accounts, with portions later siphoned abroad through Greece and Central European countries.
Acting on intelligence indicating that at least 50 transactions had originated from UP based accounts, the ATS began trailing the trio. After confirming their locations, non-bailable warrants were obtained, and coordinated raids with local police led to their arrest on Saturday.
Officials said forensic examination of seized mobile phones and digital records confirmed that the youths regularly received instructions from their Greece-based handler, establishing their role as ground-level operatives in a wider international racket. Three mobile phones used to run the social media campaigns, communicate with donors, and transfer funds have been recovered. Digital forensic teams will analyze these devices to trace donor records, money trails, and potential foreign contacts.
According to sources, the investigation will also examine whether any of the siphoned funds were routed into unlawful or extremist activities and whether the accused had links to organized networks involved in terror financing.
A case has been registered under Sections 152, 318(4), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the ATS police station in Lucknow. Following their production before a Mumbai court, the UP ATS secured a transit remand to bring them to Lucknow for further proceedings
