Ahmedabad Crime Branch busts Syrian racket posing as Gaza victims

The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch has busted a racket involving a group of Syrian nationals who allegedly posed as victims of the Gaza conflict to collect donations from mosques and individuals in the city. Officials said the gang duped local communities under the pretext of raising funds for humanitarian aid but diverted the money for personal use.
According to information,police have arrested one suspect, identified as Ali Meghat Al Zaher, a Syrian citizen who entered India on a tourist visa. According to investigators, Al Zaher and three accomplices had been visiting religious places and local neighborhoods, seeking contributions for “war-affected civilians in Gaza.” However, during interrogation, it was revealed that the funds were being used to finance a lavish lifestyle rather than for relief efforts.The three other members of the gang are currently absconding after learning of the crackdown. Authorities fear the group’s activities may extend beyond financial fraud, given their violation of visa norms and involvement in what senior officials described as “suspicious and unlawful activities” that pose “a serious threat to the country’s internal security.”
The case has now been taken up jointly by state and central agencies, including intelligence units, to track the wider network and scrutinize the flow of funds. Investigators are probing whether the money collected was being channeled for any ulterior purposes.In a statement, the Crime Branch said steps have been initiated to detain, blacklist, and deport Al Zaher. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to trace his associates and establish the full scope of the operation.“This case is not just about financial fraud but also about potential national security concerns,” a senior official said, adding that strict action would be taken against those exploiting humanitarian sentiments for unlawful gains.

(State Correspondent)