In a brazen case of fake charity fraud, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrested Ali Meghat Al‑Zahar (23), a Syrian national, for allegedly collecting donations from local mosques under the pretext of aiding war‑torn Gaza victims—but spending the money on a lavish lifestyle instead
Al‑Zahar had entered India on a tourist visa, arriving in Kolkata on July 22 and reaching Ahmedabad on August 2
During raids at a hotel near Ellis Bridge, police recovered US $3,600 and Rs25,000 from him
He exploited sympathy by showing videos depicting suffering in Gaza and presenting himself with Arabic fluency and a bullet wound on his chest—allegedly to bolster his claims as a genuine victim fleeing conflict
Authorities believe Al‑Zahar was part of a wider gang, with three accomplices—Zakaria Haitham Alzar, Ahmed Alhabash, and Yousef Al‑Zahar—still at large
The case has drawn attention from the Gujarat Anti‑Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe whether the operation constituted a mere fundraising fraud or extended into broader security concerns
. Legal proceedings for blacklisting and deportation of the accused are already underway
This incident underscores the dangers of fraudulent fundraising schemes masquerading as charitable causes—and the need for due diligence before donating.
