Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad Crime Branch has busted a Syrian gang that had been collecting money from mosques by posing as victims of the Gaza conflict.
One gang member, identified as Ali Meghat Al-Azhar, has been arrested after police received information of suspicious activities.
Al-Azhar was in India on a tourist visa.
According to police officials, Al-Azhar and his associates raised funds from different mosques in Gujarat, claiming it was for the welfare of Gaza war victims.
However, during interrogation, Al-Azhar admitted that the money was actually being used to “fund their lavish lifestyle,” the crime branch said.
At least three of Al-Azhar’s accomplices, also suspected to have entered India on tourist visas in violation of rules, are on the run.
The gang’s activities are being seen as a matter of “serious concern” for the state’s and country’s internal security.
“Such activities can pose a threat to the country’s internal security,” the crime branch said in a release.
The state and central agencies are investigating the case, looking for actual motive and possible use of the money.
The accused will be blacklisted and deported.