NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of the Al-Falah Group, in a major money laundering crackdown, PMLA probe, fraudulent university accreditation case, according to a statement issued on Wednesday. The arrest was made on 18 November 2025 under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, following extensive searches and evidence collection.
The action stems from two FIRs filed by the Delhi Police Crime Branch alleging that Al-Falah University, Faridabad, made fraudulent claims of NAAC accreditation, misleading thousands of students and parents for financial gain. Investigators say the university also falsely claimed UGC recognition under Section 12(B) to attract aspirants and obtain funds. The UGC has confirmed that Al-Falah is registered only as a State Private University under Section 2(f), and has never been eligible for grants under 12(B).
According to the ED, the Al-Falah Charitable Trust, formed in 1995 with Siddiqui as a founding trustee and Managing Trustee, has been used to consolidate ownership and financial control of all educational institutions under the group. Despite rapid expansion over the years, investigators say this rise was not backed by legitimate finances.
ED has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of Al Falah group, under PMLA, 2002 on 18/11/2025 following a detailed investigation and analysis of evidences gathered during search action conducted at premises related to Al Falah group in the ongoing probe under PMLA in… pic.twitter.com/OTGnPgBPk7
— ED (@dir_ed) November 19, 2025
Large-Scale Financial Irregularities Detected
Searches conducted on 19 locations across Delhi—including Al-Falah University premises and residences of key persons—led to the recovery of Rs 48 lakh cash, digital evidence, financial records and documents indicating diversion of trust funds.
The probe revealed that crores of rupees were siphoned off from the charitable trust to family-owned companies, including construction and catering contracts awarded to firms owned by Siddiqui’s wife and children. Multiple shell companies linked to the group have been identified.
The ED says evidence shows clear layering of funds, diversion of money from trust accounts, and systematic generation of proceeds of crime, money laundering, shell companies, financial fraud.
13 Days ED Custody Granted
Based on the evidence, ED arrested Siddiqui on 18 November 2025. He was produced before the court, which granted 13 days of ED custody for further interrogation.
The agency confirmed that the investigation into the Al-Falah money laundering network, fraudulent accreditation scam, UGC violation, illegal financial diversion is ongoing.
