The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered an illegal foreign funding network operating in Rajasthan’s border district of Jaisalmer. Search operations carried out under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) targeted local operatives linked to a Brussels-based entity named Amar ASBL. Over ₹5.10 crore in foreign remittances were illegally funneled into the region to drive religious conversion and proselytisation activities under the cover of educational welfare.
Unregulated money and FCRA violations
According to the ED, Jaisalmer resident Deu Ram and his associate Gyan Chand received foreign donations without mandatory registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). Despite operating exclusively in Jaisalmer for nearly 15 years, the Belgian organization Amar ASBL never registered an official trust or non-profit in India.
To bypass banking checks, the funds were misdeclared under false purpose codes, including non-existent educational services, cultural activities, and non-resident Indian (NRI) family savings. Out of the total ₹5.10 crore received, primary operative Deu Ram withdrew approximately ₹2.60 crore in raw cash without maintaining financial ledgers or accounting records.
Foreign handlers targeting border communities
The ED revealed that the Belgian handlers, Jose Goffinet and his son Salian Goffinet, made annual visits to Jaisalmer to directly supervise operations. Under the pretext of sponsoring local children’s schooling, the handlers organized meetings and religious gatherings targeting financially vulnerable families to influence their cultural and religious identity.
When banks flagged and blocked foreign transfers into the primary accounts, the network attempted to route funds through the personal bank accounts of local associates. The ED’s ongoing investigation underscores the critical need for strict financial surveillance over foreign capital entering sensitive border zones under the guise of charity.