New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Police have busted an alleged jail linked terror financing network connected to Lashkar e Taiba (LeT) and its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), in Shopian district of South Kashmir, arresting 10 suspected terror associates.
The investigation began with an examination of suspicious financial activities linked to terror operations. By analysing online transactions across multiple payment platforms, investigators traced money trails running through several layers and uncovered an alleged network involved in collecting and transferring funds to terrorists and their associates lodged in different prisons.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Owais Shafi Naikoo of Saidpora Bala, Shopian; Tajamul Ahmad Shah of Rawalpora, Shopian; Moiz Iqbal and Imdad Yousuf Ganie of Chitragam Kalan; Saqib Zahoor Wani and Liyaqat Nazir Lone of Murran, Pulwama; Aamir Ahmad Ganie of Armolah, Pulwama; Firdous Thokar of Nadigund, Trenz; and Mohd Hanief and Kaju of Check Haria, Kathua.
According to the initial findings, the network allegedly focused on raising money to support active terrorists and high value terror associates lodged in prisons, rather than financing only operatives working on the ground.
Investigators found that the suspects were allegedly collecting money from members of the public under false pretences. The amounts, ranging from small donations to larger sums, were reportedly channelled through multiple intermediaries to support the activities of LeT and TRF.
A key aspect of the alleged operation involved arranging logistical support for jailed operatives. Police said a significant portion of the funds was being used to procure smartphones and smuggle them into prisons.
The devices were allegedly intended to maintain communication between imprisoned operational commanders and handlers outside jail, potentially allowing them to continue directing activities despite being in custody.
The arrests have exposed what investigators believe is a broader financial support structure linking individuals outside prisons with jailed terror associates.
Further investigation is underway to identify additional financial connections, establish the full extent of the network and determine the involvement of other individuals. Police have indicated that more arrests may follow as the probe progresses.
