Key facts
- Bengaluru Police filed an FIR against US-based NGO The Timothy Initiative (TTI) and six others.
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleged illegal channeling of Rs 92.55 crore into India.
- Foreign-origin debit cards were allegedly used to withdraw and utilize funds across India.
- Funds were reportedly utilized in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas of Chhattisgarh.
- Accused face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other laws.
Bengaluru Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the US-based missionary organization The Timothy Initiative (TTI) and six individuals, following allegations of illegally channeling approximately Rs 92.55 crore into India. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) lodged the complaint, accusing the organization and its associates of utilizing foreign-origin debit cards issued by a US bank to withdraw and spend funds across the country.
The FIR, filed on June 11 by Kothanur Police based on a complaint from ED Assistant Director Sunil Kumar Sinhmar, invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The accused named include Jonathan S Rajan, Micah Mark, Ajit Verghese Mathai, Varghese Chacko, Bablu Kurmi, and Supreme Joy, alongside the US-based TTI.
According to the ED's allegations, searches conducted in April revealed the use of foreign debit cards for large-scale cash withdrawals, indicating an organized network. The agency claims these funds were channeled into Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected regions, specifically citing suspicious withdrawals in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari and Bastar areas totaling an estimated Rs 6.34 crore over recent years. This activity is alleged to constitute an unlawful act under the UAPA, posing a threat to India's security and economic integrity.
Micah Mark was reportedly detained at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on April 18, found with 24 foreign debit cards. The ED further alleges that over 1,000 such cards were distributed nationwide, often marked with regional identifiers. The complaint also references alleged destruction of electronic evidence, with Mark reportedly admitting to deleting his backend system account.
Ajit Verghese Mathai is identified as the overall financial head for TTI's India operations, while Jonathan Rajan allegedly oversaw the organization's activities in the country. The ED claims funds withdrawn were used for TTI's programs and activities. The FIR seeks legal action for offenses including criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and engaging in or conspiring to commit terrorist acts under the UAPA.