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According to the Ahmedabad crime branch, the real purpose of the fundraising was to support the gang’s own lavish lifestyle
Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen, in Gaza City. (AP file photo)
A Syrian national has been arrested in Gujarat for allegedly being part of a gang that collected donations from local mosques by falsely claiming the funds were meant for victims of the Gaza war.
According to the Ahmedabad crime branch, the real purpose of the fundraising was to support the gang’s own lavish lifestyle.
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The arrested man, identified as Ali Meghat Al-Azhar, had entered India on a tourist visa. Authorities said he, along with three other accomplices who are currently on the run, visited various mosques across Gujarat to seek money under the pretext of humanitarian aid.
“A member of a Syrian gang was detained for raising money from mosques in the name of Gaza victims. Three of his accomplices are absconding,” the crime branch said.
The crime branch also noted that such activities could threaten India’s internal security.
The gang’s modus operandi was simple but deceptive. They posed as volunteers collecting relief funds for those affected by the Gaza conflict. They approached mosques, and convinced people to donate. However, none of the money reached any victims or aid agencies.
During questioning, Ali admitted that the money collected was used for personal luxuries, including expensive hotels, branded clothes, and high-end electronics. The crime branch has now started the process of blacklisting him and preparing for his deportation.
Police said all gang members were in India on tourist visas and investigations are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects.
(With inputs from PTI)
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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Gujarat, India, India
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