ISIS module: BDS student engaged in crypto deals with Pak, Af, Türkiye

Lucknow: The probe into the arrest of a 19-year-old BDS student by the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad has uncovered cross-border and multi-state linkages, including suspected cryptocurrency exchanges with individuals in countries like Afghanistan, Türkiye and Pakistan, officials said.The accused, a resident of Saharanpur, was arrested from Moradabad on March 16 for allegedly operating an ISIS-linked online radicalisation and recruitment module targeting minors. According to ATS sources, forensic analysis of the accused's electronic devices has indicated that he was in contact with individuals based in Afghanistan, Türkiye and Pakistan with whom he allegedly engaged in cryptocurrency transactions. Investigators suspect that these exchanges may have been used to fund or facilitate extremist activities. Officials said the accused came under the influence of ISIS ideology nearly three years ago and gradually established connections with foreign operatives. He allegedly used VPN services and multiple anonymous accounts to conceal his digital footprint and evade law. The ATS has also identified suspected links of the accused across states like Delhi, Bihar, Rajasthan and Punjab. Coordination has been initiated with law enforcement agencies in these states to dismantle the network and identify others who may have been radicalised or recruited. Sources said the student was targeting minors through social media and encrypted communication platforms such as Instagram, Session and Discord. He allegedly followed a structured indoctrination process—initially sharing general religious content to build trust, before gradually exposing targets to extremist narratives, ISIS propaganda, and distorted ideological interpretations. The accused reportedly operated multiple closed groups and channels to circulate radical content. One such platform, allegedly managed under the name "Al Ittihad Media Foundation", was used to expand outreach. Sources indicated that some recruits were pushed towards deeper ideological commitment, with discussions involving violent jihad and even suicide attacks.A case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under sections of the BNS and the UAPA. The BDS student is currently under police custody remand of the ATS from March 24 to 28.