The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is probing an alleged foreign funding network in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, after its preliminary investigation reportedly found that around ₹5.10 crore was sent to the district from an organisation operating out of Brussels, Belgium, allegedly for religious conversion activities, as reported in Dainik Bhaskar.
According to the ED’s preliminary findings, the funds were routed to Jaisalmer over the past several years and were shown in bank accounts under descriptions such as family maintenance, educational services and cultural activities. The agency is examining whether the money was actually used for the stated purposes.
The investigation has also found that the alleged network had been active in Jaisalmer for around 14-15 years.
Belgium-Based Organisation Allegedly Funded Network
According to the ED investigation, an organisation named Amar ASBL, operating from Brussels, was involved in the alleged funding network. It was reportedly run by Belgian nationals Joseph Goffinet and his son Salien Goffinet.
While the organisation reportedly claimed to operate as a non-profit entity, the ED found that it did not have any officially registered trust or NGO in India.
The Belgian nationals were allegedly in contact with Jaisalmer residents Deuram and his associate Gyan Chand. According to the investigation, the two Belgian nationals visited Jaisalmer every year, staying for around two to three weeks and meeting local residents.
₹5.10 Crore Sent To Jaisalmer
The ED’s preliminary investigation reportedly found that approximately ₹5.10 crore was sent from the Belgium-based organisation to Jaisalmer over the past several years.
The agency suspects that the funds were brought into India without the required registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The money was allegedly recorded in bank accounts as being meant for family maintenance, educational services and cultural activities. However, according to the ED’s findings, there was allegedly no corresponding ground-level activity to substantiate these stated purposes.
Alleged Use Of Funds For Conversion And Personal Expenses
The ED is also investigating allegations that the foreign funds were used to influence the cultural and religious beliefs of vulnerable sections of the local population and facilitate religious conversions.
The agency has further found that part of the money was allegedly used for personal expenses.
According to the investigation, Deuram, identified as the main accused, withdrew around ₹2.60 crore in cash. The ED reportedly found no financial records or proper accounting for the cash withdrawals.
Other Bank Accounts Allegedly Used After Restrictions
The investigation reportedly found that banks subsequently placed restrictions on foreign funds being credited to the accounts of Deuram and Gyan Chand after the transactions came under scrutiny.
Following this, the accused allegedly attempted to continue receiving the funds through the private bank accounts of other associates in Jaisalmer.
The ED is examining whether these accounts were used to route the foreign funds after direct transactions to the original accounts were blocked.
ED Conducts Searches In Jaisalmer
Based on the findings, the ED’s Jaipur Zonal Office conducted searches at two premises in Jaisalmer under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
During the searches, the agency reportedly recovered several documents and digital evidence.
The ED is now investigating the entire alleged network, including the flow of foreign funds, their utilisation and the role of other individuals allegedly connected to the network.
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