Full Breakdown
US-Based Christian Missionary Group The Timothy Initiative Under CBI Probe for Alleged Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Violations
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Allegations
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a first-information report (FIR) accusing the US-based Christian missionary organisation The Timothy Initiative (TTI) and six India-based functionaries of withdrawing foreign funds in contravention of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The FIR alleges that about INR92.55 crore (? US $9.99 million) was withdrawn from Indian ATMs using foreign debit cards issued by Truist Bank between November 2025 and April 2026, with an additional INR44 crore withdrawn across several states from January 2024 to March 2026.
Background & Context
The FCRA regulates receipt and use of foreign contributions by organisations in India. The Union Home Ministry directed the CBI to investigate after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) flagged the matter in June 2024. The ED’s probe under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) uncovered a scheme that allegedly routed donations through more than 1,000 foreign-issued debit cards, bypassing mandatory FCRA registration and designated bank accounts.
Key Figures & Groups
- The Timothy Initiative (TTI) – US-based missionary organisation, not registered under the FCRA.
- Jonathan S. Rajan – Operations head for TTI’s India activities.
- Micah Mark – Financial operative intercepted at Kempegowda International Airport with 24 foreign debit cards.
- Ajit Verghese Mathai – Finance head for TTI’s India operations.
- Varghese Chacko, Supreme Joy, Bablu Kurmi – Field functionaries alleged to have withdrawn cash from ATMs.
Timeline
- June 4, 2024 – ED flags alleged violations to the Home Ministry.
- July 1, 2024 – Home Ministry directs CBI to probe.
- August 27, 2024 – CBI files FIR naming the accused and TTI.
- April 18, 2026 – ED intercepts Micah Mark with 24 debit cards.
- April 24, 2026 – Micah Mark reportedly caught again while carrying the cards.
Data & Statistics
- INR92.55 crore withdrawn via foreign debit cards (CBI FIR).
- INR44 crore withdrawn from January 2024 to March 2026 across Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Assam and other states (MHA recommendation).
- >1,000 foreign debit cards allegedly distributed in India (ED and CBI statements).
- 24 debit cards seized from Micah Mark at the airport (ED raid).
Official Statements & Responses
- The Union Home Ministry said the withdrawals breach Sections 8, 11 and 17 of the FCRA and could “fuel left-wing extremism.”
- The Enforcement Directorate reported the cards were printed under a generic name (“Santosh Kumar”) to evade KYC norms and that data on TTI’s cloud servers was remotely deleted during raids.
- TTI has not issued a public statement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All cited sources report the same monetary amounts and the use of Truist Bank-issued cards. No independent audit of the cash withdrawals has been provided, leaving the exact flow of funds unverified.
What’s Next
The FIR places the accused under investigation for FCRA violations, criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and offences under the Information Technology Act. Legal proceedings will determine whether charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act are also pursued.