3 Syrians Arrested in Delhi for Illegal Fundraising
New Delhi — The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested three Syrian nationals at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for allegedly conducting illegal fundraising activities in India under the guise of helping Gaza victims.
Officials confirmed that the trio was intercepted on September 3 while attempting to board a flight to Damascus via Dubai. Acting on a lookout notice, police detained them and later transferred custody to a special team from Ahmedabad.
The arrested men have been identified as Zakaria Haitham Alazar, Ahmed Ohad Alhabash, and Yusuf Khalid Alzahar.
Fundraising in the Name of Gaza Victims
According to the Crime Branch, the accused had been traveling across Indian cities, including Lucknow and Delhi, where they allegedly visited mosques to raise money. They presented themselves as campaigners for humanitarian aid in Gaza, appealing to worshippers and communities for donations.
However, investigators revealed that the activities were unauthorized and violated Indian laws governing foreign fundraising. No official permission had been sought from the Union government, making the collections illegal under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
“Preliminary evidence shows the accused attempted to misuse sentiments for Gaza victims to collect funds without approval. This is a serious breach of law,” said ACP Bharat Patel of the Ahmedabad Crime Branch.
Violation of Visa Regulations
Beyond illegal fundraising, authorities highlighted that the men had violated the terms of their visas. None of the three Syrian nationals were authorized to solicit funds or participate in religious or political activities in India.
The police stated that their movements and activities had been under surveillance for weeks. Once credible information confirmed their fundraising attempts, a lookout notice was issued to prevent them from leaving the country.
“The accused were attempting to flee India when they were detained at Delhi Airport,” ACP Patel added.
Deportation and Blacklisting Underway
Authorities have now initiated the deportation process. The three Syrians are expected to be blacklisted to prevent future entry into India. Officials are also working with immigration and central agencies to trace whether any collected funds had already been transferred abroad.
Police sources said that an investigation is ongoing to determine if the men had links with larger networks or organizations attempting to exploit humanitarian crises for illegal fundraising in India.
So far, authorities have not confirmed the exact amount collected during their visits. However, they suspect donations were gathered in cash, making tracing difficult.
Broader Concerns Over Misuse of Humanitarian Appeals
The incident has raised concerns about how international visitors may misuse humanitarian causes to exploit public sentiment in India. Security experts warn that such activities, if unchecked, could be used to funnel money to suspicious networks.
Legal experts stressed that while Indian law permits foreign nationals to engage in legitimate aid and charity work, strict permissions are required under the FCRA. “This ensures transparency and prevents funds from reaching unlawful or extremist channels,” explained Delhi-based lawyer Arvind Tiwari.
Officials reiterated that genuine aid for Gaza or other humanitarian causes must be routed through recognized international NGOs or government-approved organizations.
Next Steps in the Case
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch is preparing a detailed report on the case, which will be shared with central agencies. Deportation is expected to be completed once legal formalities are finished.
Police also plan to issue advisories to religious institutions, warning them to verify the credentials of foreign individuals seeking to raise funds.
“The arrests send a clear message that India will not tolerate misuse of humanitarian sentiments for illegal financial activity,” a senior Crime Branch officer said.