Illegal Gaza Fundraiser Busted: Three Syrians Arrested in Delhi for Exploiting Humanitarian Crisis

In a significant crackdown on illicit fundraising, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has apprehended three Syrian nationals for allegedly operating a sophisticated scheme to illegally collect donations under the guise of aiding Gaza victims. The arrests, stemming from vital intelligence inputs, have brought to light a concerning exploitation of humanitarian crises for unauthorized financial gain.

The individuals, identified as Sameer Zadi, Omar Zadi, and Mohammed Jamil, were reportedly active in prominent Delhi localities such as Lajpat Nagar and Khan Market.

Their method was alarmingly direct: soliciting funds from unsuspecting citizens by leveraging the widespread sympathy for those affected by the conflict in Gaza. Instead of traditional donation boxes, the accused were found using QR codes, discreetly linked to their personal bank accounts, making the transactions seem legitimate while circumventing official channels.

Adding a layer of emotional manipulation to their operation, reports indicate that the trio often employed children to appeal to the public's generosity, a tactic designed to amplify the perceived urgency and legitimacy of their cause.

This alleged use of minors in such a scheme raises serious ethical and legal questions, deepening the gravity of their actions.

The Delhi Police stated that the arrests were made based on concrete intelligence gathered by a special unit of the Crime Branch, specifically tasked with monitoring activities in the North-East region.

A case has been registered against them under appropriate sections of the law, primarily focusing on the violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). This crucial Indian law mandates strict regulations for receiving foreign contributions, ensuring transparency and accountability, which the accused reportedly failed to adhere to.

Further investigation revealed a complex aspect to the case: one of the arrested individuals, Sameer Zadi, was found in possession of a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) card.

Although the card was expired, its presence adds a layer of complexity to their residency status and previous activities. Police are now meticulously examining the origins of the collected funds, their intended destination, and any potential links to larger networks or organized crime.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of similar arrests made in 2023, where Afghan nationals were apprehended for engaging in identical illegal fundraising activities.

Authorities continue to urge the public to exercise extreme caution and diligence when making charitable donations. Citizens are strongly advised to contribute only to registered and recognized organizations, ensuring their generosity genuinely reaches those in need and is not diverted by fraudulent schemes.