The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a large foreign funding network that allegedly operated through secret cash withdrawals across India. The investigation is linked to “The Timothy Initiative (TTI)” and has raised serious concerns about the possible use of foreign funds in Maoist-affected regions. It has also triggered questions about whether the money was used for religious conversion activities.

Based on intelligence inputs, the ED headquarters carried out coordinated search operations at six locations across multiple states. During these raids, officials discovered what appears to be a well-planned system designed to bypass India’s financial regulations. The network allegedly used foreign-issued debit cards to withdraw large amounts of cash from ATMs across the country.

Officials said that 25 foreign bank debit cards, mainly linked to a US-based bank, were seized during the searches. Along with these cards, authorities recovered Rs 40 lakh in cash, digital devices, and several documents that are now being examined. Investigators believe the scale of the operation is significant, with nearly Rs 95 crore suspected to have been brought into India between November 2025 and April 2026 using this method.

The probe has revealed that the issue goes beyond financial irregularities. Investigators have traced a considerable portion of these withdrawals to Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas. One of the key regions identified is Bastar in Chhattisgarh, where over Rs 6.5 crore was reportedly withdrawn over recent years. Officials say the pattern of withdrawals across different states suggests the existence of what they describe as a “parallel cash economy” functioning without detection.

Sources involved in the investigation have expressed deeper concerns about how the funds were used. According to them, the withdrawn money was allegedly directed towards activities linked to TTI India. This organisation is not registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which raises questions about the legality of its operations. Investigators are now looking into whether the funds were used to influence vulnerable communities in conflict zones. They are also examining claims that the money may have supported religious conversion efforts.

The case has quickly taken on a political dimension. BJP spokesperson Anurag Agarwal strongly criticised the Congress over the issue. He said, "The same agency whose credibility Congress keeps questioning has now exposed a major nexus. The ED has opened a network of illegal conversions funded through foreign money. Congress has repeatedly tried to shield such activities by undermining investigative agencies." His statement has added to the already tense political debate surrounding the investigation.

Further findings by the ED suggest that the operation was not random but carefully organised. Officials have identified an online billing and accounting platform that was allegedly controlled from overseas. This platform was reportedly used to record ATM withdrawals and track how the funds were being used. Investigators say this indicates a structured and closely monitored system rather than isolated incidents of financial misconduct.

Another important development in the case involves a key accused named Micah Mark. He was intercepted at Bengaluru airport after a lookout circular was issued against him. Officials allege that he was carrying the foreign debit cards used in the operation into India. Investigators believe that he may play a crucial role in linking overseas handlers with individuals operating within the country.

As the investigation continues, agencies are focusing on uncovering the full extent of the network and identifying all those involved. The case has highlighted potential gaps in financial monitoring systems and raised serious concerns about the misuse of foreign funds. It has also brought attention to the possibility of such money being channelled into sensitive regions already affected by conflict.

The ED is expected to expand its probe further, examining financial trails, digital evidence, and organisational links. With allegations involving illegal funding, extremist regions, and religious activities, the case remains complex and sensitive. Authorities are working to determine the complete scope of the operation and whether it has wider national security implications.