AI Falah group founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui arrested by ED in money laundering case; Multiple shell companies identified

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of Al Falah Group, under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The arrest took place on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, following a detailed investigation and analysis of evidence gathered during a search action conducted at premises related to the Al Falah Group in the ongoing probe in an ECIR recorded by the ED under PMLA in connection with the Al Falah Group.

Investigation based on 2 FIRs registered by Delhi Police Crime Branch

The ED initiated an investigation against the Al Falah Group on the basis of 2 FIRs registered by the Crime Branch, Delhi Police, based on the allegations that Al-Falah University, Faridabad, has made fraudulent and misleading claims of NAAC accreditation with an intention to deceive students, parents, and stakeholders for wrongful gain. It has been further mentioned in the FIR that Al-Falah University, Faridabad, has falsely claimed UGC recognition under Section 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956, with an oblique motive to cheat the aspirants, students, parents, guardians, stakeholders and general public to gain wrongfully and cause wrongful loss to them. The UGC clarified that Al-Falah University is included only under Section 2(f) as a State Private University, has never applied for inclusion under Section 12(B), and is not eligible for grants under that provision.

Al-Falah Charitable Trust was constituted by a public charitable trust deed

Al-Falah Charitable Trust was constituted by a public charitable trust deed dated 08.09.1995, with Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui named as one of the first trustees and designated as the Managing Trustee. All the educational institutions (university and colleges) are ultimately owned and financially consolidated under this trust, which is effectively controlled by Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui. The entire Al-Falah group has seen a meteoric rise since the 1990s, metamorphosing into a large educational body. However, the rise is not backed by adequate financials.

ED conducted search operations at 19 locations in Delhi

ED conducted search operations at 19 locations in Delhi on November 18, including the premises of Al Falah University and residential premises of key persons of the Al Falah Group. An ED investigation has revealed that large amounts of proceeds of crime have been generated. Evidence reveals that crores of rupees have been diverted by the trust to family-owned entities. For example, the construction as well as catering contracts were given by the trust/Jawad Ahmad to entities of his wife and children. During the search, cash of over Rs 48 lakhs, multiple digital devices and documentary evidence were found and seized. Multiple shell companies of the group have been identified. Numerous violations under several other Acts have also been detected.