The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has exposed the international funding network of The Resistance Front (TRF), revealing Pakistan&rsquo;s deep involvement in backing the terror outfit. Designated recently by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity, TRF was formed to give Pakistan and Lashkar-e-Taiba a deniability cover, portraying attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as homegrown resistance.
Investigators traced a complex network involving operatives in the Gulf and Malaysia, tasked with funneling funds to the outfit. Key operatives, including Yasir Hayat, coordinated closely with Malaysian contacts like Sajad Ahmed Mir, raising at least ₹9 lakh to finance TRF operations. Funds were routed via operatives such as Shafat Wani, who visited Malaysia under false academic pretenses.
Hayat&rsquo;s phone contained 463 contacts, spanning Pakistan and Malaysia, revealing extensive communication aimed at sustaining TRF&rsquo;s operations. NIA officials emphasize that uncovering the complete funding trail is crucial to presenting India&rsquo;s case against Pakistan before the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), potentially pushing Islamabad back onto the Grey List.
Created in 2019 to replace the waning Hizbul Mujahideen, TRF has operated as a rebranded Lashkar-e-Taiba arm, disguising Pakistan-sponsored terror as local resistance. The latest probe underscores the persistent challenge of cross-border terror financing and India&rsquo;s efforts to expose the use of proxy networks by Pakistan to circumvent global scrutiny.

NIA Uncovers TRF’s Foreign Funding Network

Probe reveals Pakistan-backed TRF fund trail, tightening FATF scrutiny on Islamabad

NIA Uncovers TRF’s Foreign Funding Network

Probe reveals Pakistan-backed TRF fund trail, tightening FATF scrutiny on Islamabad

September 2, 2025 | 16:52 IST