CBI books US-based missionary group TTI for alleged FCRA violations over Rs 92.55 crore funds

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case to probe alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) involving US-based Christian missionary organisation The Timothy Initiative (TTI), with investigators alleging that foreign funds amounting to approximately Rs 92.55 crore were withdrawn and utilised in India in violation of legal provisions.

The FIR names several individuals associated with the India operations of TTI, including Ajit Verghese Mathai, Varghese Chacko, Bablu Kurmi, Supreme Joy and Micah Mark. The allegations relate primarily to the alleged withdrawal of foreign funds through debit cards issued by Truist Bank of the United States.

The CBI has registered the FIR on the basis of information shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of its money laundering probe into the said case. ET had reported on July 11 that ED has written to CBI asking the latter to register a case under relevant provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), for alleged violations of FCRA and BNS, 2023.


ED's investigation had revealed an alleged "systematic routing of foreign funds into Left-Wing Extremism/Naxalite-affected areas" and the alleged channelling of nearly ₹93 crore in illegal foreign funds into India, with a sizable portion allegedly reaching Maoist-affected areas in Chhattisgarh and Assam. ED had claimed that the said money (Rs 93 crore) was channelled into India by using foreign bank issued cards from November 2025 to April 2026.

Further analysis of records allegedly seized during the investigation showed that around ₹44 crore was withdrawn through foreign debit cards across multiple states, including Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Assam, between January 2024 and March 2026.

A key development in the investigation was the interception of Micah Mark at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on April 18, 2026. According to the information shared by ED, Mark was allegedly found in possession of 24 foreign debit cards issued by Truist Bank. Searches were subsequently conducted at his residential premises.