The agency started a probe against the PFI and others under PMLA, 2002 on the basis of an FIR registered by the NIA, along with various FIRs registered by other law enforcement agencies.

Further, investigations revealed that the SDPI is the political front of the PFI, which used to control, fund and supervise its activities, it said.

The SDPI was heavily dependent on the PFI for its day-to-day functions, policy making, selecting candidates for election, public programs, cadre mobilization and other related activities.

Additionally, investigations also revealed that the expenses made by the PFI, for and on behalf of the SDPI, were maintained secretly in diaries and not reflected in its bank accounts, said the ED.

So far, 28 leaders, members and cadres of the PFI have been arrested by the ED and multiple prosecution complaints in this regard have been filed before the courts.

Those arrested include National President of SDPI MK Faizy, the Chairman, General Secretary, office bearers, and members of both the National and State Executive Councils (NEC & SEC) of the PFI, as well as physical education coordinators and trainers who were providing weapons training to PFI members and cadres.

During the probe, the ED said it found that PFI ideologues were ex-Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) members. SIMI was the student’s wings of the Jamaat-e-Islami. The origin of the PFI can be traced back to the ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami after the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

At that time, properties of the Jamaat-e-Islami were attached and sealed under UA(P)A. Taking inspiration from these developments, senior PFI members, who were part of the National Development Front (NDF) at that time, deliberately formed various trusts all across Kerala and registered properties owned and controlled by the PFI under them.