MQM's funding by RAW imagination of a disgruntled party member?

NEW DELHI: The London Police statement of a member of the Muttahida Quami Movement ( MQM) claiming that Indian intelligence funded the Pakistani movement, says money was transferred to it by "Hoowallah" or bank accounts.

The 'hoowallah' reference is to hawala transaction, but the inaccuracy of even basic terminology by the London Police further strengthens claims by Indian sources that the entire allegation, aired on BBC recently, was based fully on the statement of a single, disgruntled MQM member.

Meanwhile, a Dubai-based firm, with possible links to an Indian business family, is being named by Pakistani sources as a key link to the purported funding of MQM.

The Dubai-based firm, however, is also named in an investigation by the DRI (directorate of revenue intelligence) into alleged under-invoicing and tax evasion. Sources said the firm is probably run by some Indians, and in all probability could be a 'suitcase firm' used just for tax evasion or reducing tax obligations.

The allegations that Indian agencies funded MQM emerged during investigations into the murder of former MQM leader Imran Farooq. The London Police discovered thousands of pounds at MQM chief Altaf Husain's residence, leading to the probe into MQM funding.

Tariq Mir, a former MQM member who used to be part of its operations in London, recorded a statement at Edgware police station on May 30, 2012. Mir said Altaf Husain was getting money from India, and other sources. "The Indian government funded us because they thought it was good to support us... I do not remember when I first met with the Indians. I did meet them," he said.

Mir claimed that he met representatives of Research and Analysis Wing in Vienna (Austria), Rome (Italy), Zurich (Switzerland), Saltsburg (Austria), and Prague (Czech Republic).

"Meetings (with the Indians) were held whenever they wanted to meet; the purpose of the meetings was to get to know one another; I believe their names were not the real names, they never gave their identities and ranks," he said.

"The money would either be transferred to Mr H (Altaf Husain) by Hoowala(?). I do not know for sure who facilitated getting the money to Mr H," Mir told police. "We did not want it to come out (sic) that MQM was receiving (money) from Indians. It was very secret," he said.