The digital hawala: how a terror network launders funds through apps
In short: Modern terrorism has moved from physical cash to sophisticated digital wallets. Intelligence reports reveal how a major militant group bypassed traditional banking by creating a revolving door of accounts, using popular fintech platforms to fund arms purchases and operational costs while shielding the family behind the curtain.
According to 2025 Indian intelligence reports, the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) utilized a sophisticated financial architecture to sustain its operations. This system involved a network of digital wallets on platforms like EasyPaisa and SadaPay. The mechanism functioned as a form of "digital hawala," where funds were initially gathered in primary wallets and then systematically distributed to multiple secondary accounts to evade detection. This financial infrastructure was designed to support the group's broader pan-Islamic agenda. It allowed the organization to maintain its presence despite international pressure. The group's leadership has long sought to project influence across various regions.
The scale of this operation was significant: reports indicate that approximately 30 new wallets were created every month. This constant rotation of accounts allowed the group to finance everything from large-scale arms purchases to everyday operational costs. The reports suggest that Pakistan's intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), reportedly enabled the migration of JeM’s funding onto these specific digital platforms. These funds were also used to provide personal support for Masood Azhar's family. The migration to these platforms was a strategic move to bypass traditional oversight. This method ensured that the group's financial activity remained largely hidden from global regulators.
The leadership of this financial network was deeply personal. Abdullah Azhar, the son of Masood Azhar, alongside his sibling Talha Al Saif and various high-ranking members of the group, reportedly oversaw these funds. This structure highlights a shift in militant logistics, where family-run enterprises leverage mainstream civilian fintech to maintain a shadow economy that supports both the group's violent activities and the personal needs of its leadership. The organization is described as a family enterprise, with Masood Azhar serving as its founder and current leader. This structure ensures that the group's resources remain under tight internal control. It reflects a model where personal and militant interests are inextricably linked.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Masood Azhar
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