Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, founder and chairman of Al‑Falah University and the Al‑Falah Charitable Trust, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a major money laundering case.
The ED claims that Siddiqui and his associates collected around ₹415 crore from students under the pretext of accreditation and recognition that the university allegedly did not have. According to investigators, the university falsely claimed to have NAAC accreditation and UGC recognition, which helped attract large student fees.
Raids were conducted at 19 locations across Delhi and the NCR region, including the university and Siddiqui’s residences. During these searches, ED seized ₹48 lakh in cash, digital devices, and important documents.
The probe also revealed the existence of shell companies linked to the Al‑Falah group, pointing to a structured money-laundering operation. A Delhi court has remanded Siddiqui to 13 days of ED custody for further investigation.
Investigators say that the money collected from students was routed through family-owned companies. Construction and catering contracts were allegedly given to firms owned by Siddiqui’s wife and children, raising questions about misuse of funds.
Officials are also examining possible links between these funds and a broader white-collar terror module, showing that the case could have wider implications beyond financial mismanagement.
