The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested 24-year-old Mohammad Zafar in Meerut on August 16, 2026, over alleged links with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Investigators accuse the Bihar resident of collecting money in the name of madrasa donations and attempting to send funds to Pakistan-linked handlers through cryptocurrency.Zafar, a resident of Mirganj village in Purnia district, Bihar, was arrested during an investigation into suspected terror funding and extremist activities. He has been booked under Case No. 13/2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).What Is Mohammad Zafar Accused of Doing?"According to the ATS allegations, Zafar collected money from members of the public by presenting the funds as donations for madrasas. Investigators allege that some of this money was instead intended for activities linked to Pakistan-based extremist handlers.:The madrasa donation case is now part of a wider financial investigation. Authorities are examining where the collected money came from, how it was moved and whether other individuals were involved in the alleged network.Related Instagram Post : UP ATS Arrests Bihar Man Over Alleged Jaish-e-MohammedHow Was Cryptocurrency Allegedly Used?Investigators reportedly found a cryptocurrency funding trail after attempts to transfer money directly to Pakistani bank accounts were unsuccessful. The ATS alleges that Zafar subsequently opened an account on Binance and used Tether (USDT) to facilitate the transfer of funds.The alleged use of cryptocurrency is significant to the UP ATS terror funding case because digital assets can allow cross-border transactions without relying on conventional banking channels. Investigators are examining transaction records to identify the recipients and determine the total amount involved.What Are the Alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed Links?The ATS alleges that Zafar developed links with Jaish-e-Mohammed during his earlier studies at a madrasa in Meerut. Investigators also claim that he came into contact with extremist material and allegedly shared pro-jihad content and speeches online.Authorities are investigating whether these activities resulted in direct communication with Pakistan-based handlers. The alleged Bihar man Pakistan links remain part of the ongoing probe, and investigators are examining digital devices, financial transactions and online activity for further evidence.What Happens Next in the Investigation?The Mohammad Zafar arrest is expected to be followed by further questioning and examination of the alleged financial and digital links. ATS officials are looking into the source of the donations, cryptocurrency transactions and possible contacts outside India.The allegations against Zafar remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. Authorities have not yet established through a court verdict that he was a member of Jaish-e-Mohammed or that the funds were ultimately used for terrorist activities. The probe will determine the full scope of the alleged network and whether additional arrests are required.Also Read : Gujarat ATS Arrests 8 Suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed Members
