The Surat Crime Branch have uncovered a major “hawala money syndicate” linked to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), just ahead of the upcoming local body elections. According to officials, an illegal money transfer network was being used to send large amounts of cash from Delhi to Surat through angadia channels, a fraud courier system often used for cash movement.
Police say that over ₹1 crore was routed through this network in the last four months. The investigation is being handled by the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) along with the Umra police.
🚨 BIG: Surat Crime Branch busts hawala syndicate linked to AAP leaders.
— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) April 19, 2026
CCTV footage shows accused handling large cash via hawala channels, routing funds into Gujarat from other states.
=> Probe claims links to top AAP leadership. pic.twitter.com/a065f3vDMu
How the network operated
As per the police, the money was sent by a Delhi-based businessman, Himanshu Pahuja, and received in Surat by two individuals, Akash Mishra and Ajay Tiwari. Both are believed to be linked to local political activities.
Speaking to the media, DCP (Crime) Bhavesh Rojiya said, “We have questioned Mishra and prima facie found that the funds were meant for local elections in Surat. More angadiya firms and around ten persons are suspected to be linked to the network. The income tax department has also been informed.”
Investigators say this was not a small operation but a well-organised interstate network connecting Delhi and Gujarat. Himanshu Pahuja, who lives in Janakpuri, is believed to be the main person handling the funds. Police sources claim he has links with AAP leader Surendra Bhardwaj.
Akash Mishra, who operates from Surat’s Piplod area, was earlier a personal assistant to former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain. He is said to have received the money in Surat. His associate, Ajay Tiwari, helped in managing and distributing the funds locally.
CCTV evidence and money trail
The case took a serious turn when the Crime Branch collected CCTV footage from local angadia firms. According to officials, the footage shows people handling large amounts of cash and counting money during transactions.
Police sources believe that the funds were sent from Delhi under instructions from senior-level political contacts to support activities in Surat. Himanshu Pahuja was questioned for several hours, and although he has been released for now, officials say he remains under watch.
Use of cash for elections under scanner
Investigators suspect that the unaccounted cash was being used for election-related work. This may include organising rallies, paying workers, and carrying out what police described as “secret political operations.” If proven, this could be a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and Income Tax laws.
Officials also said that Mishra and Tiwari were not just receivers of the money but were actively involved in local political work and managing the funds on the ground.
