ED complaint leads to UAPA action against persons associated with US-based Christian missionary

Representative image only. File Photo: X/@dir_ed

The Kothanur police on Thursday (June 11, 2026) registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) against several individuals, including members linked to the US-based Christian missionary organization The Timothy Initiative (TTI), based on a complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The First Information Report (FIR) was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by Sunil Kumar Sinhmar, Officer, Directorate of Enforcement, Ministry of Finance, New Delhi. Those named in the case include Jonathan S. Rajan, Micah Mark, Ajit Verghese Mathai, Varghese Chacko, Bablu Kurmi, Supreme Joy, The Timothy Initiative (USA) and others.

Search and seizure

According to the complaint, on April 18 and 19, 2026, the Enforcement Directorate conducted search and seizure operations at several locations under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) of 1999. During the searches, investigators allegedly uncovered a network that used foreign-issued debit cards to route and collect funds in India on behalf of TTI.

The ED alleged that foreign debit cards issued by banks in the United States were being distributed and used across India to withdraw cash from ATMs, bypassing regulatory mechanisms. Investigators say that between November 2025 and April 2026, nearly ₹92.55 crore (approximately US$9.99 million) was used through such transactions, while between January 2024 and March 2026, around ₹44 crore was collected in Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Assam and other states.

LWE region

According to the complaint, several transactions took place in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected regions, particularly in Chhattisgarh. Investigators suspect the funds were routed through a network of agents and distributed using foreign debit cards allegedly issued under fictitious identities.

The ED further alleged that Jonathan S. Rajan oversaw TTI’s operations in India, while Micah Mark was involved in financial management and distribution of debit cards. Ajit Verghese Mathai allegedly coordinated financial transactions through various entities and front organizations, while Varghese Chacko, Bablu Kurmi and Supreme Joy were accused of facilitating cash withdrawals and distribution of funds on the spot.

During the searches, officials reportedly found several foreign debit cards and financial records. The complaint also alleges that digital records and data associated with the transactions were remotely deleted from servers controlled from the United States after the investigation began, amounting to destruction of evidence.

The Enforcement Directorate argued that the alleged movement of foreign funds into sensitive and LWE-affected areas without compliance constituted unlawful activity under the UAPA of 1967. The agency further argued that the funds could have been used to support activities detrimental to national security and public order.

No arrests

Based on these allegations, the Kothanur police registered an FIR and started an investigation into the matter. No arrests have been reported yet.

Published – 13 Jun 2026 14:09 IST