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UP ATS Arrests Three in Bhiwandi Over Alleged Gaza Crowdfunding Fraud

Investigators say the men used social media and personal UPI accounts to solicit donations, and a forensic audit is under way to trace where the money went.

Overview

  • Police identified the suspects as Mohammad Ayan, Abu Sufiyan and Zaid Notiyar, who were detained in Bhiwandi on non-bailable warrants and brought to Lucknow after a transit remand.
  • FIR No. 10/2025 was registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under BNS sections 152, 318(4) and 61(2), with officials preparing to seek custody remand for interrogation.
  • Authorities allege the trio posted emotional appeals on Instagram and WhatsApp and collected donations through personal UPI IDs and bank accounts, with a significant share not reaching intended beneficiaries.
  • Investigators are examining bank and UPI records and seized devices to map transfers across districts and to determine any intermediaries or overseas movements, which have not been confirmed.
  • Reports differ on the amount raised, ranging from several lakhs to crores; one outlet cites Rs 5 crore and a foreign handler in Greece based on unnamed sources, which remains under investigation.