Mumbai’s Fake BARC Scientist Received Crores In Foreign Funds Since 1995: Report

Last Updated:November 03, 2025, 12:20 IST

Initially, the Hussaini brothers received payments in lakhs, which later increased to crores after 2000 in return for blueprints and data linked to India’s nuclear facilities.

Fake Scientist Nabbed in Mumbai Allegedly Received Crores in Foreign Money Since 1995

The man accused of posing as a scientist from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has been arrested for allegedly receiving crores of rupees in foreign funds in exchange for sensitive nuclear data, as per reports.

The accused, identified as 60-year-old Akhtar Hussaini, a resident of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, was apprehended last week while travelling across the country posing as a BARC scientist. Investigators also arrested his brother, Adil Hussaini, in Delhi as part of the same probe.

Fake identity and seized documents

According to Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch, officers seized over ten maps and documents allegedly linked to nuclear weapons, alongside fake passports, Aadhaar and PAN cards, and a forged BARC identity card.

One of the IDs described Hussaini as “Ali Raza Hussain", while another identified him as “Alexander Palmer". Sources revealed that the accused had been using multiple aliases and fake credentials for years to travel and communicate with contacts abroad.

Police sources told NDTV that the Hussaini brothers began receiving foreign funds as early as 1995. Initially, they received payments in lakhs, which later increased to crores after 2000 allegedly in return for blueprints and data linked to India’s nuclear facilities.

Suspicious bank transactions under scrutiny

Investigators found a private bank account in Akhtar Hussaini’s name that showed suspicious cross-border transactions. Authorities have sought full details of deposits and transfers to trace the origin of the funds.

The brothers reportedly closed several bank accounts over the years, complicating efforts to establish the full money trail. Police are reviewing old account records and suspect the existence of undisclosed accounts in foreign banks.

Suspected Pakistan links and past deportation

Preliminary findings suggest the duo may have visited Pakistan and maintained connections with the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Sources said Hussaini had changed his identity several times to avoid detection. In 2004, he was deported from Dubai after claiming to be a scientist in possession of classified Indian nuclear documents.

He allegedly sold his ancestral property in Jharkhand in 1996 but continued to use its address to create fake documents. Police believe he used forged passports, issued under aliases such as Hussaini Mohammad Adil and Nasimuddin Syed Adil Hussaini, to travel abroad.

Authorities are now collaborating with intelligence agencies to verify the authenticity of the seized data and the possible extent of the security breach.

Police say the arrests mark a significant breakthrough in uncovering a long-running espionage and forgery racket involving fake identities, illegal funding, and the possible compromise of national security information.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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