Hawala Channel for Hizbul Mujahideen Terror Funding Exposed by Delhi Police

The Delhi Police Special Cell has unearthed a hawala network that funded terror activities of the Hizbul Mujahideen in Jammu and Kashmir. Money was channeled from Pakistan under the guise of a Pashmina shawl and carpet business.

In a significant development, the Delhi Police Special Cell has uncovered a hawala funding network used to finance terror activities of the Hizbul Mujahideen in Jammu and Kashmir. The revelation came during the interrogation of Javaid Ahmad Matoo, a key operative of the terrorist organization, who was arrested in connection with 11 terror attack cases in the region.

Modus Operandi of Hawala Funding

According to police officials, Matoo disclosed that one of his associates, Mohammad Rafi Najar from Sopore, played a crucial role as a financier for the Hizbul Mujahideen. Najar operated a seemingly legitimate Pashmina shawl and carpet business as a front to channel money from Pakistan through hawala transactions. This money was then used to support the terrorist activities of the organization.

Arrest and Background of Javaid Ahmad Matoo

Matoo, a highly indoctrinated terrorist carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh, was apprehended on January 4 from the Nizamuddin area of the national capital. At the time of his arrest, he was driving a stolen Santro car. The security agencies have classified him as an A++-category terrorist, indicating his high level of threat.

Further Investigation and Court Proceedings

The Delhi Police produced Matoo before a court on Friday and sought an extension of his custody for further investigation. The police aimed to verify the identities of his associates involved in the hawala network and trace the source of arms and ammunition provided to him. Matoo is implicated in 11 known terror attack cases, including grenade attacks and the killing of police personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. He is also suspected of having links with another terrorist outfit, Al Badr.

The Delhi Police's investigation into Javaid Ahmad Matoo's arrest has shed light on the intricate financial mechanisms used by terrorist organizations to fund their activities. The hawala network, disguised as a legitimate business, highlights the need for enhanced vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to disrupt such funding channels and combat terrorism effectively.