Investigating agencies warn of middlemen siphoning donations

Srinagar , Mar 26: Amid a surge in humanitarian donations from Kashmir to the war-ravaged Iran, investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate, Thursday raised concerns over potential large-scale misappropriation of funds by middlemen.

Following an appeal by the Iranian Embassy for aid, crores of rupees have reportedly been collected across the region.

While the majority of donations are believed to stem from genuine goodwill, officials warn that a parallel network of middlemen and unverified organisations may be diverting significant portions of the funds.

“Most people, whether rich or poor, are donating out of genuine goodwill. Those who are directly donating the money to the embassy should not be worried, as it will reach Iran. However, many middlemen and dubious organisations are collecting funds in cash, which may not reach the embassy,” a senior J&K Police official said.

Authorities referenced past cases to underline the risks involved.

“Under the guise of crowdfunding and emotional appeals, large sums have been raised in the past and subsequently misused, including for activities linked to terrorists,” an official said, citing ongoing investigations into alleged money laundering and terror financing.

Concerns have also been raised about the collection of non-monetary donations such as jewellery, livestock, and household items. Officials say these contributions present major logistical and accountability challenges.

“The absence of standardised accounting and the rise of unauthenticated collectors heighten the risk of pilferage and misappropriation. Door-to-door collection drives, in particular, create serious gaps in monitoring and oversight,” he said.

In several instances, entire families contributed what little they had.

Reports suggest that children donated their Eid savings, while others parted with livestock and heirloom jewellery.

“Paying directly to the embassy reduces chances of pilferage or misuse, but people can be naive in trusting local organisations. Several such entities have emerged, collecting funds in the name of Iran,” another official warned.

Kashmir has witnessed a very strong reaction following the killing of Iran’s erstwhile Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Authorities have issued a stern warning to those facilitating these door-to-door and stall collections, stating that unauthenticated middlemen will face repercussions similar to those experienced by known secessionist figures in south Kashmir.

As the crackdown intensifies, the Police are urging people to exercise extreme caution and verify the credentials of any individual or organisation seeking donations, as the line between genuine charity and a calculated financial scam continues to blur in the shadow of regional geopolitics.