Funds routed through Umrah pilgrims and Gulf-based conduits; LeT handler in Pakistan named key conspirator
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, DD: In a major breakthrough in the fight against terror financing, a special NIA court in Srinagar has framed charges against two individuals in a high-profile case involving cross-border funding for terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The accused have been identified as Shabir Ahmad Bhat of Kakapora and Javaid Ahmad Yatoo of Pampore, both allegedly involved in facilitating financial support for the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Criminal proceedings have also been initiated against Pakistan-based LeT handler Sumama alias Babar alias Ilyas, who remains absconding.
The case, investigated by Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), pertains to a transnational conspiracy involving LeT commanders across the Line of Control (LoC) and Pakistani nationals based in Gulf countries. These operatives, officials said, devised a covert hawala network camouflaged as religious and commercial travel, particularly through Umrah pilgrims, expatriates, and businessmen.
Investigations revealed that Shabir Ahmad Bhat maintained secure communication with the Pakistan-based handler via encrypted messaging apps. During a visit to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, he allegedly collected large sums of Saudi Riyals from known LeT conduits in Madina. Acting on instructions, he coordinated with other Kashmiri pilgrims to collect funds from individuals identified by the handler.
Upon his return to Kashmir, Shabir is said to have converted the foreign currency into Indian rupees and distributed the money among active militants and their families as directed by the LeT network.
Javaid Ahmad Yatoo played a crucial role in establishing and facilitating the contact between Shabir and the LeT handler, thus enabling the smooth operation of the transnational terror funding module, the investigation revealed.
Authorities also confirmed the recent arrest of two more individuals — Mohammad Ayoub Bhat of Budgam and Mohammad Rafiq Shah of Srinagar — in connection with the same case. During the investigation, law enforcement agencies seized electronic devices, transaction logs, bank statements, and other documents that uncovered a deeply embedded underground financial network.
Officials said these recoveries have corroborated the existence of a structured hawala infrastructure supporting terrorism in the region.
Further arrests are expected as the investigation continues to unravel the broader network(DD)
