ED Uncovers ISIS Padgha-Borivali Module's Rs 9.7 Cr Forest Crime Funding

• ED exposed the financial network of the ISIS-linked Padgha-Borivali module, which used forest crime, hawala, and local businesses to fund jihadist activities.
• Nationwide ED operations across 7 states led to the seizure of Rs 3.7 crore in cash and Rs 6 crore in gold, totaling Rs 9.7 crore.
• The module, led by Saqib Nachan, was financially self-sustaining and planned for larger terror attacks, moving beyond online propaganda.
• A key funding method involved illegal cutting and smuggling of Khair wood, a low-risk, high-cash model mirroring global ISIS tactics.
• ED aims to dismantle Padgha's persistent radical hub by targeting the entire support ecosystem, including family networks and commercial entities, not just individuals.

Why It Matters: This exposes a sophisticated, self-sustaining terror funding model using local crime.