NIA arrests Hizb-ul-Mujahideen linked ‘narco-terrorist’ after extradition from Portugal
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Terrorism & insurgency (J&K, North-East)· Prelims·
Why in news
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Iqbal Singh (Shera), a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen-linked 'narco-terrorist', following his extradition from Portugal for terror financing and heroin smuggling.
Background
Iqbal Singh (Shera) was wanted for a non-bailable warrant issued in October 2020 and an Interpol Red Notice opened in June 2021. The NIA alleges he coordinated heroin smuggling from Pakistan into India and used 'hawala' networks to fund HM operatives.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyNIA: National Investigation Agency is the primary counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in India.
- FactIqbal Singh (Shera) fled to Portugal in 2020.
- FactInterpol Red Notice was opened in June 2021 against Singh.
- FactThe NIA alleges Singh used 'hawala' networks to channel proceeds to Hizb-ul-Mujahideen operatives.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the nexus between narcotics trafficking and terror financing in the context of cross-border security challenges facing India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Narco-terrorism nexus: Synergy between drug cartels and militant groups to fund insurgent activities
- Extradition hurdles: Legal and diplomatic complexities in securing fugitives from European jurisdictions
- Hawala infrastructure: Challenges in tracking informal money transfer systems for terror funding
Keywords: Narco-terrorism · Terror financing · Extradition · Hawala · Hizb-ul-Mujahideen · Counter-terrorism
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