ED Cracks Down on ISIS-Linked Terror Module, Raids 40 Locations Across 4 States

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In a major crackdown on terror financing, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 40 locations across four states on Thursday. The raids are part of an investigation into an ISIS-linked module that had its base in Padgha village in Maharashtra's Thane district. The module, described as 'highly radicalised', was allegedly involved in recruitment, training, and fund-raising activities. The ED's action follows a November 2023 case filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which alleged that 21 individuals were part of the module. According to the NIA, the accused had declared Padgha village as a 'liberated zone' named 'Al Sham' and were motivating young Muslims to relocate there for strengthening their base. The NIA had charged the accused with conspiracy to recruit and radicalise youth, fabrication of improvised explosive devices, and planning terrorist attacks. The ED also took intelligence inputs from the Mumbai ATS about an illegal Khair wood smuggling racket that was allegedly used to fund extremist activities. The ED teams were provided security by the Anti-Terrorist Squad of Maharashtra for the raids in the state, while central security forces assisted them in other areas. The ED filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, taking cognisance of the NIA case. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.