Terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) is now using digital wallets to raise money, months after India’s Operation Sindoor destroyed terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the Pahalgam attack. Instead of bank accounts, the group is funnelling donations into digital wallets managed by JeM leader Masood Azhar’s family members
Months after India’s successful Operation Sindoor precision strikes destroyed Pakistani terror infrastructure, terror groups have now found a new way to raise funds and rebuild their network.
According to intelligence inputs, Pakistan’s spy agency ISI and terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) are attempting to raise funds through a massive digital wallet system.
On May 7, Indian forces carried out precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
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The operation killed over 100 terrorists and came in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 civilians dead.
The question now is, how is Jaish using digital wallets to raise funds?
Let’s find out:
How Pakistan is keeping Jaish alive
Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has turned to digital wallets to collect funds and has been spreading out its operations to reduce the impact of any further Indian action on its bases across the border, media reports said.
Sources told The Economic Times that the group has prepared a plan worth PKR 3.9 billion to build a wide network of ‘Markaz’ or religious centres, following the same model once used by Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The plan includes opening 313 new camps to make it harder for Indian agencies to monitor their activities.
The money is being collected through digital wallets linked to the relatives of JeM leader Masood Azhar, and at least five such wallets have been found with direct ties to the banned group.
On May 7, the Indian Armed Forces carried out ‘Operation Sindoor’. In this operation, JeM’s main base, Markaz Subhanallah, along with four training camps, Markaz Bilal, Markaz Abbas, Mahmona Zoya and Sargal, were destroyed.
Soon after the strikes, the Pakistan government reportedly announced financial support to rebuild these facilities.
Now, according to intelligence reports cited by India Today, JeM has started an online campaign through EasyPaisa to raise 3.91 billion Pakistani rupees for building 313 new camps across Pakistan.
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Rather than using bank accounts, the donations are being directed into digital wallets controlled by Masood Azhar’s family members. This allows Pakistan to claim that funding for JeM has been cut, while in reality, the money continues to flow.
This method is designed to avoid checks from global watchdogs like the FATF, which can only trace banking transactions and would not be able to act on money moved through family-linked wallets.
The drive is being led by Azhar himself, who has been behind several attacks in India over the years, along with his brother Talha Al Saif, who has been appealing to supporters to donate.
Apart from online channels, JeM leaders are also collecting money in mosques during Friday prayers. While these contributions are presented as donations for humanitarian work in Gaza, officials believe the funds are being diverted to JeM’s operations, the report said.
The Al Rahmat Trust, a charity based in Bahawalpur and long connected with JeM, is also playing a key role. Run by Azhar and his close aides, it is routing money through a separate bank account and has been one of JeM’s main financial arms.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADA view of the post-strike visual at Bahawalpur that reveals gaping holes in the mosque’s dome, widespread debris, and collapsed buildings. Maxar Technologies/ReutersHow is the money being spent?
Sources told ET that wallets such as ‘EasyPaisa’ and ‘SadaPay’ are being used to gather money. These work outside normal banking channels, allowing wallet-to-wallet and wallet-to-cash transfers.
According to the report, Azhar’s family operates 7 to 8 wallets at a time and changes them every four months. Once large sums build up, the money is either broken into smaller amounts or taken out in cash. Around 30 fresh wallets are opened every month.
Appeals are being circulated through proxy accounts linked to JeM and its commanders on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. These include posters, videos and even a letter from Masood Azhar.
India Today reported that the appeals mention plans to set up 313 markaz and ask for 12.5 million Pakistani rupees (1.25 crore) for each centre. The campaign is aimed not only at people in Pakistan but also at Pakistanis overseas and their supporters.
A building hit by an Indian strike in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Reuters
At present, nearly 80 per cent of JeM’s finances are managed through these wallets, with yearly transactions estimated at 80-90 crore Pakistani rupees, the report said.
The money is then used for buying weapons, running training facilities, maintaining communication systems, purchasing luxury cars and supporting Masood Azhar’s family. A huge share of these funds comes from Gulf nations.
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