ED raids six locations of 'The Timothy Initiative' over Rs 95 crore foreign funding scam

KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at six locations across the country, including Kerala, involving an organisation called 'The Timothy Initiative India.' The group is accused of illegally bringing Rs 95 crore into India using debit cards from foreign banks. During the raids, officials seized Rs 40 lakh in cash and 25 debit cards. The organisation has been operating in several states, including Kerala, without the mandatory registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

The two-day raid was part of a case registered at the ED’s Delhi headquarters. Investigations revealed that the group illegally withdrew money from ATMs using foreign debit cards to fund its activities. Specifically, debit cards from Truist Bank in the United States were used for these transactions.

A foreign national named Mike Mark was apprehended in Bengaluru with 24 debit cards in his possession. The probe found that approximately Rs 6.5 crore was withdrawn solely from Bastar and Dhamtari- areas known for Naxalite activity in Chhattisgarh. There are also indications that funds were diverted to Naxalite organisations in these regions.

According to the ED, the Rs 95 crore was withdrawn between November 2024 and April 2026. Several digital devices, documents, and other pieces of evidence were seized during the operation.

The Timothy Initiative is an international evangelical organisation that focuses on gospel preaching and training for children between the ages of 4 and 14. In Kerala, the organisation is primarily based in Pathanamthitta.

The ED investigation comes at a time when the central government is moving to further amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.