Meerut: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 24-year-old man for allegedly having links with Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and transferring funds to Pakistan, officials said.

The accused, identified as Mohammad Zafar, a resident of Purnia district in Bihar, was arrested on August 16. According to the ATS, he had been collecting donations in the name of a madrasa and allegedly sending the money to Pakistan to support activities linked to the terror outfit.

ATS alleges JeM links

The ATS said it received information that Zafar was allegedly involved in collecting funds under the pretext of madrasa donations and transferring the money to a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.

During the investigation, officials analysed his social media activity and allegedly found that he had shared provocative content and speeches linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

The ATS said Zafar had studied at a madrasa in Meerut and was allegedly influenced by material related to jihad and the activities of JeM.

Alleged contact with Pakistan-based handler

According to investigators, Zafar was also part of several Pakistan-based WhatsApp groups where discussions allegedly involved jihad-related content and fundraising.

The ATS further claimed that Zafar used a Facebook account with his face concealed to share content related to jihad and the establishment of a caliphate.

Investigators said he later joined a JeM-linked group and came in contact with a Pakistan-based handler. The handler allegedly provided him with a Pakistani bank account for transferring money.

When the bank transfer reportedly failed, Zafar allegedly obtained a Binance account from the handler and subsequently transferred funds in USDT on multiple occasions, according to the ATS.

Accused allegedly influenced by Masood Azhar

During questioning, Zafar allegedly told investigators that he had been strongly influenced by Masood Azhar and aspired to become a “mujahid”.

The ATS said its investigation also uncovered several Pakistan-based jihadi groups on his mobile phone. The groups allegedly contained discussions related to jihad, fundraising and other activities.

A case has been registered against Zafar under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other applicable laws.

Zafar was produced before a court after his arrest. Further investigation is underway to establish the extent of his alleged links with the terror network, the flow of funds and the identities of other persons who may be involved.