The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested a Syrian national accused of posing as a Gaza conflict victim to collect donations from mosques across several Indian cities.
The suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Ali Medhat Alzaher from Damascus, who had been staying at Hotel Regal Residency in Ellisbridge after arriving in India on a tourist visa.
Investigators said Alzaher travelled through multiple states before reaching Ahmedabad. At mosques, he pretended to be a displaced resident of Gaza to seek financial assistance. He later admitted that the funds were used to sustain what police described as a &ldquo;luxurious lifestyle&rdquo;.
During questioning, police noticed scars on his chest, which he claimed were injuries from fighting. Officers suspect, however, that the wounds were used to generate sympathy. Initially, Alzaher communicated only in Arabic before confessing that others linked to him had also entered India and were currently hiding.
&ldquo;His conduct is highly questionable and both state and central agencies are investigating,&rdquo; a senior Crime Branch official stated.
The investigation revealed that the group first gathered in Lebanon before making its way to India. Police have identified three associates - Ahmed Ohed Alhabash, Zakaria Haitham Alzar and Youssef Khalid Alzahar and are verifying their passports to determine their authenticity.
Authorities believe the donations may have been misappropriated, and financial tracking is underway to determine whether the money was diverted for unlawful purposes.
Officials confirmed that Alzaher violated the terms of his visa, and steps are being taken for his immediate deportation and blacklisting.
Speaking to Benefit News, JCP (Crime) Sharad Singhal said, &ldquo;We were already on high alert mode ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s visit to Gujarat. We formed various teams. We are now investigating how the collected money has been utilised and whether it has been diverted for suspicious activities.&rdquo;
The Crime Branch stressed that the case carries potential security risks. Investigations are being carried out in coordination with central intelligence agencies, while the search continues for the absconding suspects.

Syrian Man Posed as Gaza Victim, Arrested

Fake Gaza refugee arrested in Ahmedabad after collecting mosque donations

Syrian Man Posed as Gaza Victim, Arrested

Fake Gaza refugee arrested in Ahmedabad after collecting mosque donations

August 24, 2025 | 24:53 IST