New Delhi, 26 December (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case of money laundering against Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan, a UK-based Islamic preacher originally from Uttar Pradesh, on the basis of a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

Officials confirmed on Friday that Khan is under investigation for alleged financial irregularities, illegal overseas income, and possible connections to extremist organisations, including one based in Pakistan.

According to official sources, Khan, who was appointed as an assistant teacher in a government-aided madrasa in Uttar Pradesh in 1984, allegedly obtained British citizenship in 2013 while continuing to draw a teacher’s salary in India between 2013 and 2017, despite residing abroad and being ineligible under Indian service regulations.

ED officials stated that over the past twenty years, Khan travelled extensively across multiple countries and operated at least seven to eight Indian bank accounts through which he allegedly received foreign funds. Preliminary findings suggest he amassed around ₹30 crore worth of 12 immovable properties across India, suspected to have been financed through undisclosed or illegitimate sources.

The agency is also probing Khan’s alleged role in promoting radical ideology under the guise of religious education and his possible involvement in illegal cross-border funding networks. Sources added that Khan’s links with radical groups in the United Kingdom are being scrutinised, alongside his ties to Pakistan-based outfit Dawat-e-Islami, which is known for proselytisation and recruitment activities.

Investigators are tracing Khan’s international contacts, bank transactions, and property acquisitions to determine the full extent of his financial network. The ED has also sought assistance from various foreign agencies under mutual legal cooperation provisions to verify the source and movement of funds.

Authorities indicated that the case highlights emerging patterns of transnational money laundering through religious and educational institutions, an area under increased scrutiny by Indian financial intelligence units.

Further action, including property attachment and interrogation of connected individuals in India, is expected as the investigation progresses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar