Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, founder of Al Falah University and Chairman of the Al Falah group, in connection with a money laundering investigation tied to alleged terror financing channels. Siddiqui was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following what officials described as a detailed, evidence-based probe.
According to the ED, the arrest stems from an ongoing investigation initiated after two FIRs filed by the Crime Branch of Delhi Police. These FIRs accused Al Falah University in Faridabad of making “fraudulent and misleading claims of NAAC accreditation” to mislead students, parents, and stakeholders for financial gain. The FIRs further allege that the university falsely projected itself as recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, a designation that allows institutions to receive grants.
In a press statement, the agency reiterated the UGC’s position, noting 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 said it uncovered significant discrepancies during searches conducted across 19 locations in Delhi on Tuesday, including the university campus and residences linked to the group’s leadership. Investigators claim to have found indications that the organisation generated substantial proceeds through illegal means.
The probe also traced the financial structure of the Al Falah group to the Al-Falah Charitable Trust, established in 1995, in which Siddiqui served as one of the founding trustees and the Managing Trustee. The trust oversees all educational institutions under the group, which has grown into a major private education network since the 1990s.
However, investigators stated that the group’s swift expansion over the years “is not backed by adequate financials,” intensifying suspicion about the source of funds.
