NIA Court Frames Money Laundering Charges Against Yasin Malik and 6 Others
A Special NIA Court has framed charges against Yasin Malik and six others for alleged money laundering involving foreign funds via Hawala channels.
A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in New Delhi has moved a significant step in the investigation into terror funding by directing the framing of charges against Yasin Malik and six other individuals. The accused are facing charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for allegedly receiving massive foreign funding from the Pakistani establishment through illegal Hawala channels.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that the accused generated proceeds of crime amounting to approximately Rs 8,94,87,639. These funds were reportedly used to promote secessionist ideologies and carry out subversive activities aimed at destabilizing the country.
The Allegations of Hawala and Foreign Funding
According to the investigation, the accused individuals were involved in a sophisticated scheme to receive money from the Pakistani establishment and various terrorist outfits. The ED claims that this money was routed through a complex network, including cash couriers and conduits who collected funds from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.
The funds were then delivered to Hurriyat leadership, including Yasin Malik, to fuel secessionist agendas in Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation suggests that these funds were used to sustain unlawful activities under the guise of a "freedom struggle."
Who are the Accused?
The Special NIA Judge, Prashant Sharma, found sufficient prima facie material to raise strong suspicions against the following seven accused:
- Mohd. Yasin Malik
- Zahoor Ahmed Shah Watali
- Abdul Rashid Sheikh
- Shabir Ahmad Shah
- Naval Kishore Kapoor
- Masarat Alam Bhat
- Trison Farms and Construction Pvt Ltd
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
The court had previously scheduled a hearing for the accused to appear physically and accept or deny the charges on September 30. However, due to high security concerns, some of the accused could not be produced in court. Consequently, the judge has directed the ED to ensure the charges are signed by the accused while they are in judicial custody.
The current ED case stems from an NIA investigation initiated in 2017, which invoked various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Evidence seized during the investigation, including documents from a former accountant, allegedly shows that foreign contributions were funneled to Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah, and Masarat Alam through Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali during the 2015-2016 financial year.
The matter is now set for its next hearing on October 30.