Al-Falah Chairman Jawad Siddiqui arrested in money laundering probe by Enforcement Directorate

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 18 (STC): The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of Al Falah group, under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, reports a cross section of media.
According to the reports, the arrest took place today following a detailed investigation and analysis of evidence gathered during search action conducted at premises related to Al Falah group in the ongoing probe in an ECIR recorded by the ED under PMLA in connection with the Al Falah Group.
The reports further reveal thst the ED initiated investigation against Al Falah group on the basis of 2 FIRs registered by the Crime Branch, Delhi Police, based on the allegations that Al-Falah University, Faridabad, has made fraudulent and misleading claims of NAAC accreditation with an intention to deceive students, parents, and stakeholders for wrongful gain. It has been further mentioned in FIR that Al-Falah University, Faridabad, has falsely claimed UGC recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956 with oblique motive to cheat the aspirants, students, parents, guardians, stakeholders and general public to gain wrongfully and cause wrongful loss to them. The UGC clarified that Al-Falah University is included only under Section 2(f) as a State Private University, has never applied for inclusion under Section 12(B), and is not eligible for grants under that provision.
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 ₹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.
The agency said further investigation is ongoing.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from agencies)