Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai - Revision history

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	==See also==		==See also==
	~~{{Portal\|United States\|Politics}}~~
	* [[India–United States relations]]		* [[India–United States relations]]
	* [[Kashmir conflict]]		* [[Kashmir conflict]]

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	{{Use dmy dates\|date=September 2014}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=September 2014}}
	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	\| name = Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai ~~<br /> سید غلام نبی فائی~~		\| name = Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai
	\| image = Fai picture.jpg		\| image = Fai picture.jpg
	\| image_size =		\| image_size =
	\| alt =		\| alt =
	\| caption =		\| caption =
	\| birth_name = Syed Ghulam Nabi		\| birth_name = Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai
	\| birth_date = {{Birth year and age\|1949\|4}}<ref name="Hindu20110721"/>		\| birth_date = {{Birth year and age\|1949\|4}}<ref name="Hindu20110721"/>
	\| birth_place = ~~[[Badgam district]]~~, [[Jammu and Kashmir (~~union territory~~)\|Jammu and Kashmir]], India		\| birth_place = Wadwan, [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)\|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Dominion of India\|India]]
	\| death_date =		\| death_date =
	\| death_place =		\| death_place =
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	}}		}}

	'''Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai''' ~~({{lang-ur\|{{Script/Nastaliq\|سید غلام نبی فائی}}}})~~, is an American citizen of [[Kashmiri people\|Kashmiri]] origin, and a [[Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir\|Jamaat-e-Islami]] activist.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Pandita\|first=K. N.\|date=2020-07-09\|title=Geelani: Retired hurt from Hurriyat\|url=https://www.newsintervention.com/geelani-retired-hurt-from-hurriyat/\|access-date=\|website=News Intervention\|language=}}</ref> He founded the organisation '''Kashmiri American Council''' in the United States and carried out lobbying on behalf of [[Kashmiri separatism]]. In 2011, the US government stated that this was a front group for Pakistan's [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI).<ref>{{Cite news\|last=\|first=\|date=2011-07-20\|title=US charges pair over links to Pakistan spy agency\|language=\|work=BBC News\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-14212901\|access-date=}}</ref>		'''Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai''', is an American citizen of [[Kashmiri people\|Kashmiri]] origin, and a [[Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir\|Jamaat-e-Islami]] activist.<ref>{{Cite web\|last=Pandita\|first=K. N.\|date=2020-07-09\|title=Geelani: Retired hurt from Hurriyat\|url=https://www.newsintervention.com/geelani-retired-hurt-from-hurriyat/\|access-date=\|website=News Intervention\|language=}}</ref> He founded the organisation '''Kashmiri American Council''' in the United States and carried out lobbying on behalf of [[Kashmiri separatism\|Kashmiri separatist groups]] and the [[Government of Pakistan]]. In 2011, the US government stated that this was a front group for Pakistan's [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI).<ref>{{Cite news\|last=\|first=\|date=2011-07-20\|title=US charges pair over links to Pakistan spy agency\|language=\|work=BBC News\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-14212901\|access-date=}}</ref><ref name="DOJ">[https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-charged-conspiring-act-unregistered-agents-pakistani-government Two Charged with Conspiring to Act as Unregistered Agents of Pakistani Government], The United States Department of Justice, 19 July 2011.</ref>

	Fai was arrested by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] on 19 July 2011, for concealing the transfer of USD 3.5 million from Pakistan's ISI to fund his lobbying efforts and influence the US government on the [[Kashmir conflict]], in violation of the [[Foreign Agents Registration Act]].<ref name="IE_convicted">{{cite news\|title=J-K govt to probe Ghulam Nabi Fai's activities in state\|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/jk-govt-to-probe-ghulam-nabi-fais-activities-in-state/933809/0\|accessdate=30 May 2012\|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]\|date=7 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="NYT20110719">{{cite news\|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/us/politics/20agent.html\|title=F.B.I. Arrests Man Said to Be a Front for Donations\|last=Savage\|first=Charlie\|date=19 July 2011\|work=The New York Times\|accessdate=20 July 2011}}</ref> His arrest came at a time when [[Pakistan – United States relations\|relations between Pakistan and the United States]] were strained in the aftermath of the raid that [[Death of Osama bin Laden\|killed Osama bin Laden]] in Pakistan,<ref name="UT20110719">{{cite news\|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2011-07-19-pakistan-spies-lobbying_n.htm\|title=FBI: Pakistani spies spent millions lobbying U.S.\|date=19 July 2011\|work=USA Today\|accessdate=21 July 2011}}</ref> and while US Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] was on a visit to [[India]].<ref name="Dawn20110721">{{cite web\|url=http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/20-Jul-2011/Ghulam-Nabi-Fai-arrested-in-US\|title=Ghulam Nabi Fai arrested in US\|date=20 July 2011\|work=The Nation\|accessdate=23 July 2011}}</ref> On 7 December 2011, Fai pleaded guilty to [[Conspiracy (crime)\|conspiracy]] and [[tax evasion]] (both charges);<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2011/12/fai-was-spying-for-isi/ \|title=Fai was spying for ISI ! \| Pakistan Today \| Latest news, Breaking news, Pakistan News, World news, business, sport and multimedia \|publisher=Pakistan Today \|date= \|accessdate=10 December 2011}}</ref> in March 2012, Fai was sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a US court for ''"''conspiracy to defraud the US" by concealing transfer of funding from Pakistan's ISI for his illegal lobbying efforts on Kashmir.<ref name="IE_convicted" />		Fai was arrested by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] on 19 July 2011, for acting as an unregistered foreign agent,<ref name="DOJ"/> concealing the transfer of USD 3.5 million from Pakistan's ISI to fund his lobbying efforts and influence the US government on the [[Kashmir conflict]], in violation of the [[Foreign Agents Registration Act]].<ref name="IE_convicted">{{cite news\|title=J-K govt to probe Ghulam Nabi Fai's activities in state\|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/jk-govt-to-probe-ghulam-nabi-fais-activities-in-state/933809/0\|accessdate=30 May 2012\|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]\|date=7 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="NYT20110719">{{cite news\|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/us/politics/20agent.html\|title=F.B.I. Arrests Man Said to Be a Front for Donations\|last=Savage\|first=Charlie\|date=19 July 2011\|work=The New York Times\|accessdate=20 July 2011}}</ref> His arrest came at a time when [[Pakistan – United States relations\|relations between Pakistan and the United States]] were strained in the aftermath of the raid that [[Death of Osama bin Laden\|killed Osama bin Laden]] in Pakistan,<ref name="UT20110719">{{cite news\|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2011-07-19-pakistan-spies-lobbying_n.htm\|title=FBI: Pakistani spies spent millions lobbying U.S.\|date=19 July 2011\|work=USA Today\|accessdate=21 July 2011}}</ref> and while US Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] was on a visit to [[India]].<ref name="Dawn20110721">{{cite web\|url=http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/20-Jul-2011/Ghulam-Nabi-Fai-arrested-in-US\|title=Ghulam Nabi Fai arrested in US\|date=20 July 2011\|work=The Nation\|accessdate=23 July 2011}}</ref> On 7 December 2011, Fai pleaded guilty to [[Conspiracy (crime)\|conspiracy]] and [[tax evasion]] (both charges);<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2011/12/fai-was-spying-for-isi/ \|title=Fai was spying for ISI ! \| Pakistan Today \| Latest news, Breaking news, Pakistan News, World news, business, sport and multimedia \|publisher=Pakistan Today \|date= \|accessdate=10 December 2011}}</ref> in March 2012, Fai was sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a US court for ''"''conspiracy to defraud the US" by concealing transfer of funding from Pakistan's ISI for his illegal lobbying efforts on Kashmir.<ref name="IE_convicted" />

	==Early life==		==Early life==
	Fai was born in 1949 in the Wadwan village of [[~~Badgam~~ district]] in Jammu and Kashmir, India.<ref name="HT20110721"/> He graduated from [[Srinagar]]'s [[Sri Pratap College]],<ref name="HT20110720">		Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai was born in April 1949 in the Wadwan village of [[Budgam district]] in the [[Kashmir Valley]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)\|Jammu and Kashmir]], India.<ref name="HT20110721"/> He graduated from [[Srinagar]]'s [[Sri Pratap College]],<ref name="HT20110720">
	{{cite web\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmir-separatists-to-protest-against-Fai-s-arrest-by-FBI/Article1-723373.aspx\|title=Kashmir separatists to protest against Fai's arrest by FBI\|last=Aashiq\|first=Peerzada\|date=20 July 2011\|work=Hindustan Times\|access-date=21 July 2011\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721074221/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmir-separatists-to-protest-against-Fai-s-arrest-by-FBI/Article1-723373.aspx\|archive-date=21 July 2011\|df=dmy-all}}		{{cite web\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmir-separatists-to-protest-against-Fai-s-arrest-by-FBI/Article1-723373.aspx\|title=Kashmir separatists to protest against Fai's arrest by FBI\|last=Aashiq\|first=Peerzada\|date=20 July 2011\|work=Hindustan Times\|access-date=21 July 2011\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721074221/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmir-separatists-to-protest-against-Fai-s-arrest-by-FBI/Article1-723373.aspx\|archive-date=21 July 2011\|df=dmy-all}}
	</ref> then completed an MA from [[Aligarh Muslim University]]. During his college days, he came under the influence of [[Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir]]. He occasionally wrote columns in the local newspapers under the name "Fay Budgami", which eventually resulted in his acquired last name "Fai".<ref name=ET>		</ref> then completed an MA from [[Aligarh Muslim University]]. During his college days, he came under the influence of [[Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir]]. He occasionally wrote columns in the local newspapers under the name "Fay Budgami", which eventually resulted in his acquired last name "Fai".<ref name=ET>
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	[[Category:Indian emigrants to the United States]]		[[Category:Indian emigrants to the United States]]
	[[Category:Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia]]		[[Category:Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia]]
	[[Category:~~Indian~~ Muslims]]		[[Category:Kashmiri Muslims]]
	[[Category:Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan]]		[[Category:Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan]]
	[[Category:Kashmir separatist movement]]		[[Category:Kashmir separatist movement]]

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2022-05-26T23:37:52Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 05:07, 27 May 2022
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	==Fraudulent Academic Credentials==		==Fraudulent Academic Credentials==

	For decades, Fai has claimed, as he continues to, to have earned a [[PhD]] from [[Temple University]] in [[Philadelphia]] and constantly referred to himself as "Dr. Fai", as was echoed in the [[Pakistani media]].<ref name=Rediff1>{{cite news \| url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/kashmiri-separatist-fai-lied-about-his-doctorate-degree/20120330.htm \| title=Kashmiri separatist Fai lied about his doctorate degree: US attorney \| date=30 March 2012 \| publisher=Rediff \| first=Lalit K. \| last=Jha \| accessdate=4 June 2020 }}</ref> After moving to the United States in 1977 he began a course in mass communications at [[Temple University]] on 'Television in Saudi Arabia'. He completed less than half the PhD requirements and did not receive a degree, yet constantly referred to himself as "Dr. Fai" in official correspondence with the FBI and other law enforcement bodies.<ref name=Rediff1 /> As of 2019, he continues to use his false "Phd" credential in his public engagements, and press outlets.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/390920/no-alternative-to-self-determination-in-kashmir-dispute/\|title = No alternative to self-determination in Kashmir dispute\|date = 8 May 2019}}</ref><ref>https://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-imran-meets-ghulam-nabi-fai-in-new-york-isi-mole-and-convicted-felon-who-was-caught-by-fbi-in-2011-2791906</ref>		For decades, Fai has claimed, as he continues to, to have earned a [[PhD]] from [[Temple University]] in [[Philadelphia]] and constantly referred to himself as "Dr. Fai", as was echoed in the [[Pakistani media]].<ref name=Rediff1>{{cite news \| url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/kashmiri-separatist-fai-lied-about-his-doctorate-degree/20120330.htm \| title=Kashmiri separatist Fai lied about his doctorate degree: US attorney \| date=30 March 2012 \| publisher=Rediff \| first=Lalit K. \| last=Jha \| accessdate=4 June 2020 }}</ref> After moving to the United States in 1977 he began a course in mass communications at [[Temple University]] on 'Television in Saudi Arabia'. He completed less than half the PhD requirements and did not receive a degree, yet constantly referred to himself as "Dr. Fai" in official correspondence with the FBI and other law enforcement bodies.<ref name=Rediff1 /> As of 2019, he continues to use his false "Phd" credential in his public engagements, and press outlets.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/390920/no-alternative-to-self-determination-in-kashmir-dispute/\|title = No alternative to self-determination in Kashmir dispute\|date = 8 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-imran-meets-ghulam-nabi-fai-in-new-york-isi-mole-and-convicted-felon-who-was-caught-by-fbi-in-2011-2791906\|title = Imran meets Ghulam Nabi Fai in New York, ISI mole and convicted felon who was caught by FBI in 2011}}</ref>

	==Kashmiri American Council==		==Kashmiri American Council==
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	==Reactions==		==Reactions==
	The [[Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.]] issued a statement after the arrest claiming that "it had no knowledge" of Fai's alleged ties with the Pakistani [[The Establishment\|establishment]], though he was a regular visitor to the Embassy.<ref name="UT20110719"/> However an unnamed Pakistani official told ''[[The Independent]]'' that Fai was getting funding from ISI as he was unable to raise money from the [[Pakistani American]] community.<ref name="Indy20110721">{{cite news\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistan-gave-4m-to-illegal-kashmiri-lobby-group-in-washington-2317795.html\|title=Pakistan gave $4m to illegal Kashmiri lobby group in Washington\|last=Waraich\|first=Omar\|date=21 July 2011\|work=The Independent\|accessdate=21 July 2011\|location=London}}</ref> The Pakistani government lodged its concern over the arrest and accused the US of embarking on a "slander campaign" against Pakistan.<ref name="dawn20110722">{{cite web\|url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/21/pakistan-accuses-us-of-slander-over-fai%E2%80%99s-arrest.html\|title=Pakistan accuses US of slander over Fai's arrest\|date=22 July 2011\|work=Dawn\|accessdate=22 July 2011}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan]] released a statement lauding the "contributions made by the Kashmiri American Council and Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai for the cause of Jammu and Kashmir." It further commented that "upholding fundamental rights of Kashmiris is the fundamental responsibility of the international community and all conscientious people who value human rights and values" and added that "campaigns to defame the just cause of the Kashmiri people will not affect its legitimacy."<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pakistan-protests-arrest-of-ghulam-nabi-fai/820833/\|title=Pakistan protests arrest of Ghulam Nabi Fai\|work=Indian Express\|date=22 July 2011\|accessdate=23 July 2011}}</ref>		The [[Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.]] issued a statement after the arrest claiming that "it had no knowledge" of Fai's alleged ties with the Pakistani [[The Establishment\|establishment]], though he was a regular visitor to the Embassy.<ref name="UT20110719"/> However an unnamed Pakistani official told ''[[The Independent]]'' that Fai was getting funding from ISI as he was unable to raise money from the [[Pakistani American]] community.<ref name="Indy20110721">{{cite news\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistan-gave-4m-to-illegal-kashmiri-lobby-group-in-washington-2317795.html \|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220526/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistan-gave-4m-to-illegal-kashmiri-lobby-group-in-washington-2317795.html \|archive-date=26 May 2022 \|url-access=subscription \|url-status=live\|title=Pakistan gave $4m to illegal Kashmiri lobby group in Washington\|last=Waraich\|first=Omar\|date=21 July 2011\|work=The Independent\|accessdate=21 July 2011\|location=London}}</ref> The Pakistani government lodged its concern over the arrest and accused the US of embarking on a "slander campaign" against Pakistan.<ref name="dawn20110722">{{cite web\|url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/21/pakistan-accuses-us-of-slander-over-fai%E2%80%99s-arrest.html\|title=Pakistan accuses US of slander over Fai's arrest\|date=22 July 2011\|work=Dawn\|accessdate=22 July 2011}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan]] released a statement lauding the "contributions made by the Kashmiri American Council and Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai for the cause of Jammu and Kashmir." It further commented that "upholding fundamental rights of Kashmiris is the fundamental responsibility of the international community and all conscientious people who value human rights and values" and added that "campaigns to defame the just cause of the Kashmiri people will not affect its legitimacy."<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pakistan-protests-arrest-of-ghulam-nabi-fai/820833/\|title=Pakistan protests arrest of Ghulam Nabi Fai\|work=Indian Express\|date=22 July 2011\|accessdate=23 July 2011}}</ref>

	A statement released by the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)\|Home ministry of India]] said "The arrest of Ghulam Nabi Fai was long overdue. We had (a) fair degree of suspicion that the money which he received was given by the agencies in Pakistan."<ref name="IBN20110723">{{cite web\|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/fai-arrest-was-overdue-home-ministry/169575-3.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016162452/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/fai-arrest-was-overdue-home-ministry/169575-3.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=16 October 2012\|title=Fai arrest was overdue: Home Ministry\|date=23 July 2011\|work=CNN-IBN\|accessdate=23 July 2011}}</ref>		A statement released by the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)\|Home ministry of India]] said "The arrest of Ghulam Nabi Fai was long overdue. We had (a) fair degree of suspicion that the money which he received was given by the agencies in Pakistan."<ref name="IBN20110723">{{cite web\|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/fai-arrest-was-overdue-home-ministry/169575-3.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016162452/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/fai-arrest-was-overdue-home-ministry/169575-3.html\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=16 October 2012\|title=Fai arrest was overdue: Home Ministry\|date=23 July 2011\|work=CNN-IBN\|accessdate=23 July 2011}}</ref>

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← Older revision		Revision as of 21:22, 10 January 2022
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	\| alt =		\| alt =
	\| caption =		\| caption =
	\| birth_name =		\| birth_name = Syed Ghulam Nabi
	\| birth_date = {{Birth year and age\|1949\|4}}<ref name="Hindu20110721"/>		\| birth_date = {{Birth year and age\|1949\|4}}<ref name="Hindu20110721"/>
	\| birth_place = [[Badgam district]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)\|Jammu and Kashmir]], India		\| birth_place = [[Badgam district]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)\|Jammu and Kashmir]], India
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	\| resting_place =		\| resting_place =
	\| resting_place_coordinates =		\| resting_place_coordinates =
	~~\| residence =~~
	\| nationality =		\| nationality =
	\| citizenship = United States		\| citizenship = United States
	\| education =		\| education = PhD in [[mass communications]]
	\| alma_mater =		\| alma_mater = [[Temple University]]
	\| occupation =		\| occupation =
	\| years_active =		\| years_active =
	\| employer =		\| employer =
	~~\| home_town =~~
	\| criminal_charge = Conspiracy to defraud the US by violation of [[Foreign Agents Registration Act]]<ref name=IE_convicted/>		\| criminal_charge = Conspiracy to defraud the US by violation of [[Foreign Agents Registration Act]]<ref name=IE_convicted/>
	\| criminal_status = Convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment<ref name=IE_convicted/>		\| criminal_status = Convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment<ref name=IE_convicted/>
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	==Early life==		==Early life==
	Fai was born in the Wadwan village of [[Badgam district]] in Jammu and Kashmir, India.<ref name="HT20110721"/> He graduated from [[Srinagar]]'s [[Sri Pratap College]],<ref name="HT20110720">{{cite web\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmir-separatists-to-protest-against-Fai-s-arrest-by-FBI/Article1-723373.aspx\|title=Kashmir separatists to protest against Fai's arrest by FBI\|last=Aashiq\|first=Peerzada\|date=20 July 2011\|work=Hindustan Times\|access-date=21 July 2011\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721074221/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmir-separatists-to-protest-against-Fai-s-arrest-by-FBI/Article1-723373.aspx\|archive-date=21 July 2011\|df=dmy-all}}</ref> then completed an MA from [[Aligarh Muslim University]] ~~before studying on a scholarship~~ in [[~~Mecca~~]], Saudi Arabia. He ~~moved to~~ the ~~U.S.~~ in 1977 ~~and~~ became a US citizen in 1990. ~~He was a member of [[Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir\|Jamaat-e-Islami]] during his college days. During childhood he was friends with Muhammad Yusuf Shah,~~<ref name="Hindu20110721">{{cite news\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2277658.ece\|title=Damaging revelations emerge from Fai arrest\|last=Swami\|first=Praveen\|date=21 July 2011\|work=The Hindu\|accessdate=21 July 2011\|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> ~~who grew up to be a [[Hizbul Mujahideen]] leader.~~		Fai was born in 1949 in the Wadwan village of [[Badgam district]] in Jammu and Kashmir, India.<ref name="HT20110721"/> He graduated from [[Srinagar]]'s [[Sri Pratap College]],<ref name="HT20110720">
			{{cite web\|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmir-separatists-to-protest-against-Fai-s-arrest-by-FBI/Article1-723373.aspx\|title=Kashmir separatists to protest against Fai's arrest by FBI\|last=Aashiq\|first=Peerzada\|date=20 July 2011\|work=Hindustan Times\|access-date=21 July 2011\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721074221/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmir-separatists-to-protest-against-Fai-s-arrest-by-FBI/Article1-723373.aspx\|archive-date=21 July 2011\|df=dmy-all}}
			</ref> then completed an MA from [[Aligarh Muslim University]]. During his college days, he came under the influence of [[Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir]]. He occasionally wrote columns in the local newspapers under the name "Fay Budgami", which eventually resulted in his acquired last name "Fai".<ref name=ET>
			{{citation \|author=Masoom Hussain \|title=Kashmiri separatist: The life of Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai \|newspaper=The Economic Times \|date=24 June 2011 \|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/kashmiri-separatist-the-life-of-syed-ghulam-nabi-fai/articleshow/9338667.cms}}
			</ref>
			[[Mohammad Yusuf Shah]], who later became the chief of [[Hizbul Mujahideen]], is said to have been his childhood friend.<ref name="Hindu20110721"/>

			Fai moved to Saudi Arabia in 1967, and then went to the United States. He obtained a PhD in [[mass communications]] from the [[Temple University]] in 1977. He became a US citizen in 1990.<ref name="Hindu20110721">
			{{cite news\|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2277658.ece\|title=Damaging revelations emerge from Fai arrest\|last=Swami\|first=Praveen\|date=21 July 2011\|work=The Hindu\|accessdate=21 July 2011\|location=Chennai, India}}
			</ref>

	==Fraudulent Academic Credentials==		==Fraudulent Academic Credentials==

	For decades, Fai has claimed, as he continues to, to have earned a [[PhD]] from [[Temple University]] in [[Philadelphia]] and constantly referred to himself as "Dr. Fai", as was echoed in the [[Pakistani media]].<ref name=Rediff1>{{cite news \| url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/kashmiri-separatist-fai-lied-about-his-doctorate-degree/20120330.htm \| title=Kashmiri separatist Fai lied about his doctorate degree: US attorney \| date=30 March 2012 \| publisher=Rediff \| first=Lalit K. \| last=Jha \| accessdate=4 June 2020 }}</ref> After moving to the United States in 1977 he began a course in mass communications at [[Temple University]] on 'Television in Saudi Arabia'. He completed less than half the PhD requirements and did not receive a degree, yet constantly referred to himself as "Dr. Fai" in official correspondence with the FBI and other law enforcement bodies.<ref name=Rediff1 /> As of 2019, he continues to use his false "Phd" credential in his public engagements, and press outlets.<ref>https://dailytimes.com.pk/390920/no-alternative-to-self-determination-in-kashmir-dispute/</ref><ref>https://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-imran-meets-ghulam-nabi-fai-in-new-york-isi-mole-and-convicted-felon-who-was-caught-by-fbi-in-2011-2791906</ref>		For decades, Fai has claimed, as he continues to, to have earned a [[PhD]] from [[Temple University]] in [[Philadelphia]] and constantly referred to himself as "Dr. Fai", as was echoed in the [[Pakistani media]].<ref name=Rediff1>{{cite news \| url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/kashmiri-separatist-fai-lied-about-his-doctorate-degree/20120330.htm \| title=Kashmiri separatist Fai lied about his doctorate degree: US attorney \| date=30 March 2012 \| publisher=Rediff \| first=Lalit K. \| last=Jha \| accessdate=4 June 2020 }}</ref> After moving to the United States in 1977 he began a course in mass communications at [[Temple University]] on 'Television in Saudi Arabia'. He completed less than half the PhD requirements and did not receive a degree, yet constantly referred to himself as "Dr. Fai" in official correspondence with the FBI and other law enforcement bodies.<ref name=Rediff1 /> As of 2019, he continues to use his false "Phd" credential in his public engagements, and press outlets.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/390920/no-alternative-to-self-determination-in-kashmir-dispute/\|title = No alternative to self-determination in Kashmir dispute\|date = 8 May 2019}}</ref><ref>https://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-imran-meets-ghulam-nabi-fai-in-new-york-isi-mole-and-convicted-felon-who-was-caught-by-fbi-in-2011-2791906</ref>

	==Kashmiri American Council==		==Kashmiri American Council==
			Fai was the executive director of the Kashmiri American Council (KAC), an ISI module based in Washington, D.C., for the cause of ''"propagating the cause of the right of self-determination of the people of the State of Jammu & Kashmir"''. The KAC was formed by some members of the Kashmiri diaspora,[2] in Washington, D.C. In the 1990s, [[Paul Manafort]] lobbied for the KAC.<ref>{{cite news \|last=Isikoff \|first=Michael \|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/top-trump-aide-lobbied-for-1409744144007222.html \|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160418235730/https://www.yahoo.com/news/top-trump-aide-lobbied-for-1409744144007222.html \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2016-04-18 \|title=Top Trump aide lobbied for Pakistani spy front \|work=[[Yahoo News]] \|date=18 April 2016 \|access-date=13 July 2021}}</ref>
	Fai was the executive director of the Kashmiri American Council (KAC), an ISI module based in Washington, D.C., for the cause of ''"propagating the cause of the right of self-determination of the people of the State of Jammu & Kashmir"''. The KAC was formed by some members of the Kashmiri diaspora,[2] in Washington, D.C.

	According to the FBI, the Kashmiri American Council - a nonprofit organization - would arrange seminars, conferences and lectures on Kashmir. Officially the KAC denied getting any foreign grants. KAC is best known for annually holding a so-called "Kashmir Peace Conference" in Washington, D.C. which was presented as ''"an independent forum for Indian, Pakistani and Kashmiri voices"''. However, the U.S. Justice Department proved in court that the [[Pakistan Army]], specifically the I.S.I., approved the list of speakers and gave Fai talking points to ''"highlight the Kashmir cause"''.		According to the FBI, the Kashmiri American Council - a nonprofit organization - would arrange seminars, conferences and lectures on Kashmir. Officially the KAC denied getting any foreign grants. KAC is best known for annually holding a so-called "Kashmir Peace Conference" in Washington, D.C. which was presented as ''"an independent forum for Indian, Pakistani and Kashmiri voices"''. However, the U.S. Justice Department proved in court that the [[Pakistan Army]], specifically the I.S.I., approved the list of speakers and gave Fai talking points to ''"highlight the Kashmir cause"''.

	==Political access==		==Political access==
	Before his arrest in July 2011 and subsequent electronically monitored [[house arrest]] in Virginia, USA, he was a regular visitor to [[Pakistan]] and met regularly and openly with the highest levels of the political, bureaucratic and military establishment, including the [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI). In the US, Fai's access extended to various mid-level officials in the [[State Department]], as well as a variety of [[backbenchers]] including non-ranking Congressmen and a handful of Senators. Typically, his access was limited to those Congressmen to whose election funds the Kashmir American Council (see above) had donated monies, including [[Joe Pitts]] (R-Pennsylvania) and [[Dan Burton]] (R-Indiana). Fai has never had a meeting with any Secretary of State or with a serving US Ambassador or equivalent rank of official.		Before his arrest in July 2011 and subsequent electronically monitored [[house arrest]] in Virginia, USA, he was a regular visitor to [[Pakistan]] and met regularly and openly with the highest levels of the political, bureaucratic and military establishment, including the [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI). In the US, Fai's access extended to various mid-level officials in the [[State Department]], as well as a variety of [[backbenchers]] including non-ranking Congressmen and a handful of Senators. Typically, his access was limited to those Congressmen to whose election funds the Kashmir American Council (see above) had donated monies, including [[Joe Pitts (Pennsylvania politician)\|Joe Pitts]] (R-Pennsylvania) and [[Dan Burton]] (R-Indiana). Fai has never had a meeting with any Secretary of State or with a serving US Ambassador or equivalent rank of official.

	Since forfeiting his Indian citizenship by taking US citizenship in 1990, he has been denied visas to visit India on account of his now-publicly-reported ties to the [[Pakistani Military]], in particular the [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI). He has never had a meeting in any third country with any Indian elected official or any senior diplomat.		Since forfeiting his Indian citizenship by taking US citizenship in 1990, he has been denied visas to visit India on account of his now-publicly-reported ties to the [[Pakistani Military]], in particular the [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI). He has never had a meeting in any third country with any Indian elected official or any senior diplomat.
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	===Guilty plea===		===Guilty plea===
	On 7 December 2011, Fai pleaded guilty in the court of conspiracy and tax evasion.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/12/08/fai-pleads-guilty-to-working-for-isi.html \|title=Fai pleads guilty to working for ISI \| Newspaper \|publisher=Dawn.Com \|date= \|accessdate=10 December 2011}}</ref> As part of his guilty plea, Fai signed an 81-paragraph "Statement of Fact" cataloguing his crimes, with specific details as to the instructions and payments he received from his ISI handlers.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=128875 \|title=Fai pleads guilty of conspiracy \|publisher=Pakobserver.net \|date=19 July 2011 \|access-date=10 December 2011 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424035342/http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=128875 \|archive-date=24 April 2012 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> Court documents revealed his primary ISI handlers to have been Javeed Aziz Khan (alias "Brigadier Abdullah ('Khan')"; Major-General Mumtaz Ahmad Bajwa, who later became head of the ISI's Security Directorate that oversees [[Kashmir]]i militant groups, Lieutenant-Colonel Touqeer Mehmood Butt, and Sohail Mahmood (alias "Mir").<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/ghulam-nabi-fai-pleads-guilty-of-spying-for-the-isi-156251&cp \|title=ISI had full sway over Fai and his organisation \|publisher=Ndtv.com \|date= \|accessdate=10 December 2011}}</ref> An attorney submitted in a foot-note to a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia, that Fai misled people about possessing a doctorate degree.<ref name=Rediff1 /> In March 2012 Fai was sentenced to two years in prison.<ref>Matthew Barakat, [http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/kashmir-activist-sentenced-to-1402617.html Kashmir activist sentenced to 2 years in Va.], [[Associated Press]], 30 March 2012.</ref>		On 7 December 2011, Fai pleaded guilty in the court of conspiracy and tax evasion.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/12/08/fai-pleads-guilty-to-working-for-isi.html \|title=Fai pleads guilty to working for ISI \| Newspaper \|publisher=Dawn.Com \|date= 8 December 2011\|accessdate=10 December 2011}}</ref> As part of his guilty plea, Fai signed an 81-paragraph "Statement of Fact" cataloguing his crimes, with specific details as to the instructions and payments he received from his ISI handlers.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=128875 \|title=Fai pleads guilty of conspiracy \|publisher=Pakobserver.net \|date=19 July 2011 \|access-date=10 December 2011 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424035342/http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=128875 \|archive-date=24 April 2012 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> Court documents revealed his primary ISI handlers to have been Javeed Aziz Khan (alias "Brigadier Abdullah ('Khan')"; Major-General Mumtaz Ahmad Bajwa, who later became head of the ISI's Security Directorate that oversees [[Kashmir]]i militant groups, Lieutenant-Colonel Touqeer Mehmood Butt, and Sohail Mahmood (alias "Mir").<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/ghulam-nabi-fai-pleads-guilty-of-spying-for-the-isi-156251&cp \|title=ISI had full sway over Fai and his organisation \|publisher=Ndtv.com \|date= \|accessdate=10 December 2011}}</ref> An attorney submitted in a foot-note to a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia, that Fai misled people about possessing a doctorate degree.<ref name=Rediff1 /> In March 2012 Fai was sentenced to two years in prison.<ref>Matthew Barakat, [http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/kashmir-activist-sentenced-to-1402617.html Kashmir activist sentenced to 2 years in Va.], [[Associated Press]], 30 March 2012.</ref>

	===Sentence reduction and release===		===Sentence reduction and release===
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	==Post release==		==Post release==
	After being released, as of March 2020, it was reported that Fai has appeared on media channels across US to highlight "Indian atrocities in Kashmir and against Muslims", authored articles, collaborated with Indian influencers, and resumed his interactions with members of the US Senate.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Mishra \|title=Abhinandan \|url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/isis-man-us-ghulam-fai-back-lobbying-india \|accessdate=9 March 2020 \|publisher=Sunday Guardian \|date=2020-03-07}}</ref>		After being released, as of March 2020, it was reported that Fai has appeared on media channels across US to highlight "Indian atrocities in Kashmir and against Muslims", authored articles, collaborated with Indian influencers, and resumed his interactions with members of the US Senate.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Mishra \|title=Abhinandan \|url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/isis-man-us-ghulam-fai-back-lobbying-india \|accessdate=9 March 2020 \|publisher=Sunday Guardian \|date=2020-03-07}}</ref>

			==Family==
			Fai is married to a Chinese woman in the United States and has two children.<ref name=ET/>

	==See also==		==See also==

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{{short description|American citizen of Kashmiri origin|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai <br /> سید غلام نبی فائی
| image = Fai picture.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1949|4}}<ref name="Hindu20110721"/>
| birth_place = [[Badgam district]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| resting_place =
| resting_place_coordinates =
| residence =
| nationality =
| citizenship = United States
| education =
| alma_mater =
| occupation =
| years_active =
| employer =
| home_town =
| criminal_charge = Conspiracy to defraud the US by violation of [[Foreign Agents Registration Act]]<ref name=IE_convicted/>
| criminal_status = Convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment<ref name=IE_convicted/>
| spouse =
}}

'''Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai''' ({{lang-ur|{{Script/Nastaliq|سید غلام نبی فائی}}}}), is an American citizen of [[Kashmiri people|Kashmiri]] origin, and a [[Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir|Jamaat-e-Islami]] activist.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pandita|first=K. N.|date=2020-07-09|title=Geelani: Retired hurt from Hurriyat|url=https://www.newsintervention.com/geelani-retired-hurt-from-hurriyat/|access-date=|website=News Intervention|language=}}</ref> He founded the organisation '''Kashmiri American Council''' in the United States and carried out lobbying on behalf of [[Kashmiri separatism]]. In 2011, the US government stated that this was a front group for Pakistan's [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI).<ref>{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=2011-07-20|title=US charges pair over links to Pakistan spy agency|language=|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-14212901|access-date=}}</ref>

Fai was arrested by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] on 19 July 2011, for concealing the transfer of USD 3.5 million from Pakistan's ISI to fund his lobbying efforts and influence the US government on the [[Kashmir conflict]], in violation of the [[Foreign Agents Registration Act]].<ref name="IE_convicted">{{cite news|title=J-K govt to probe Ghulam Nabi Fai's activities in state|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/jk-govt-to-probe-ghulam-nabi-fais-activities-in-state/933809/0|accessdate=30 May 2012|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=7 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="NYT20110719">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/us/politics/20agent.html|title=F.B.I. Arrests Man Said to Be a Front for Donations|last=Savage|first=Charlie|date=19 July 2011|work=The New York Times|accessdate=20 July 2011}}</ref> His arrest came at a time when [[Pakistan – United States relations|relations between Pakistan and the United States]] were strained in the aftermath of the raid that [[Death of Osama bin Laden|killed Osama bin Laden]] in Pakistan,<ref name="UT20110719">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2011-07-19-pakistan-spies-lobbying_n.htm|title=FBI: Pakistani spies spent millions lobbying U.S.|date=19 July 2011|work=USA Today|accessdate=21 July 2011}}</ref> and while US Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] was on a visit to [[India]].<ref name="Dawn20110721">{{cite web|url=http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/Politics/20-Jul-2011/Ghulam-Nabi-Fai-arrested-in-US|title=Ghulam Nabi Fai arrested in US|date=20 July 2011|work=The Nation|accessdate=23 July 2011}}</ref> On 7 December 2011, Fai pleaded guilty to [[Conspiracy (crime)|conspiracy]] and [[tax evasion]] (both charges);<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2011/12/fai-was-spying-for-isi/ |title=Fai was spying for ISI ! | Pakistan Today | Latest news, Breaking news, Pakistan News, World news, business, sport and multimedia |publisher=Pakistan Today |date= |accessdate=10 December 2011}}</ref> in March 2012, Fai was sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a US court for ''"''conspiracy to defraud the US" by concealing transfer of funding from Pakistan's ISI for his illegal lobbying efforts on Kashmir.<ref name="IE_convicted" />

==Early life==
Fai was born in the Wadwan village of [[Badgam district]] in Jammu and Kashmir, India.<ref name="HT20110721"/> He graduated from [[Srinagar]]'s [[Sri Pratap College]],<ref name="HT20110720">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmir-separatists-to-protest-against-Fai-s-arrest-by-FBI/Article1-723373.aspx|title=Kashmir separatists to protest against Fai's arrest by FBI|last=Aashiq|first=Peerzada|date=20 July 2011|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=21 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721074221/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kashmir-separatists-to-protest-against-Fai-s-arrest-by-FBI/Article1-723373.aspx|archive-date=21 July 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref> then completed an MA from [[Aligarh Muslim University]] before studying on a scholarship in [[Mecca]], Saudi Arabia. He moved to the U.S. in 1977 and became a US citizen in 1990. He was a member of [[Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir|Jamaat-e-Islami]] during his college days. During childhood he was friends with Muhammad Yusuf Shah,<ref name="Hindu20110721">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2277658.ece|title=Damaging revelations emerge from Fai arrest|last=Swami|first=Praveen|date=21 July 2011|work=The Hindu|accessdate=21 July 2011|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> who grew up to be a [[Hizbul Mujahideen]] leader.

==Fraudulent Academic Credentials==

For decades, Fai has claimed, as he continues to, to have earned a [[PhD]] from [[Temple University]] in [[Philadelphia]] and constantly referred to himself as "Dr. Fai", as was echoed in the [[Pakistani media]].<ref name=Rediff1>{{cite news | url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/kashmiri-separatist-fai-lied-about-his-doctorate-degree/20120330.htm | title=Kashmiri separatist Fai lied about his doctorate degree: US attorney | date=30 March 2012 | publisher=Rediff | first=Lalit K. | last=Jha | accessdate=4 June 2020 }}</ref> After moving to the United States in 1977 he began a course in mass communications at [[Temple University]] on 'Television in Saudi Arabia'. He completed less than half the PhD requirements and did not receive a degree, yet constantly referred to himself as "Dr. Fai" in official correspondence with the FBI and other law enforcement bodies.<ref name=Rediff1 /> As of 2019, he continues to use his false "Phd" credential in his public engagements, and press outlets.<ref>https://dailytimes.com.pk/390920/no-alternative-to-self-determination-in-kashmir-dispute/</ref><ref>https://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-imran-meets-ghulam-nabi-fai-in-new-york-isi-mole-and-convicted-felon-who-was-caught-by-fbi-in-2011-2791906</ref>

==Kashmiri American Council==

Fai was the executive director of the Kashmiri American Council (KAC), an ISI module based in Washington, D.C., for the cause of ''"propagating the cause of the right of self-determination of the people of the State of Jammu & Kashmir"''. The KAC was formed by some members of the Kashmiri diaspora,[2] in Washington, D.C.

According to the FBI, the Kashmiri American Council - a nonprofit organization - would arrange seminars, conferences and lectures on Kashmir. Officially the KAC denied getting any foreign grants. KAC is best known for annually holding a so-called "Kashmir Peace Conference" in Washington, D.C. which was presented as ''"an independent forum for Indian, Pakistani and Kashmiri voices"''. However, the U.S. Justice Department proved in court that the [[Pakistan Army]], specifically the I.S.I., approved the list of speakers and gave Fai talking points to ''"highlight the Kashmir cause"''.

==Political access==
Before his arrest in July 2011 and subsequent electronically monitored [[house arrest]] in Virginia, USA, he was a regular visitor to [[Pakistan]] and met regularly and openly with the highest levels of the political, bureaucratic and military establishment, including the [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI). In the US, Fai's access extended to various mid-level officials in the [[State Department]], as well as a variety of [[backbenchers]] including non-ranking Congressmen and a handful of Senators. Typically, his access was limited to those Congressmen to whose election funds the Kashmir American Council (see above) had donated monies, including [[Joe Pitts]] (R-Pennsylvania) and [[Dan Burton]] (R-Indiana). Fai has never had a meeting with any Secretary of State or with a serving US Ambassador or equivalent rank of official.

Since forfeiting his Indian citizenship by taking US citizenship in 1990, he has been denied visas to visit India on account of his now-publicly-reported ties to the [[Pakistani Military]], in particular the [[Inter-Services Intelligence]] (ISI). He has never had a meeting in any third country with any Indian elected official or any senior diplomat.

==Arrest==
Fai was charged along with a [[Pakistani American]] associate named [[Zaheer Ahmad]] for obtaining illegal funding from Pakistan for the KAC.<ref name="UT20110719"/> Fai was arrested at his home in [[Fairfax, Virginia]].<ref name="guardian20110719">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/jul/19/us-pakistan-arrest-alleged-spies|title=US-Pakistan relations worsen with arrest of two alleged spies|last=MacAskill|first=Ewen|work=The Guardian|accessdate=20 July 2011|location=London|date=19 July 2011}}</ref> According to [[Neil MacBride]], the United States Attorney at [[United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia]] "Mr. Fai is accused of a decades-long scheme with one purpose – to hide Pakistan's involvement behind his efforts to influence the U.S. government's position on Kashmir, his handlers in Pakistan allegedly funneled millions through the Kashmir Center to contribute to U.S. elected officials, fund high-profile conferences, and pay for other efforts that promoted the Kashmiri cause in favor of Pakistan to decision makers in Washington."<ref name="NYT20110719"/> According to prosecutors he was directed by ISI and was in touch with them at least 4000 times in the preceding 3 years.<ref name="LAT20110719">{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/sc-dc-0720-pakistani-arrest-20110720,0,2870849.story|title=U.S. charges two with illegal lobbying for Pakistan|last=Serrano|first=Richard|date=19 July 2011|work=The Los Angeles Times|accessdate=20 July 2011}}</ref> The prosecutors also alleged that Kashmiri American Council was run by elements of Pakistani government including ISI and had Fai had received at least $4 million from the Government of Pakistan.<ref name="voa20110719">{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/US-Charges-Pakistani-Agents-with-Conspiracy-125829973.html|title=US Charges 'Pakistani Agents' with Conspiracy|date=19 July 2011|work=Voice of America|accessdate=20 July 2011}}</ref> If convicted Fai faces up to 5 years in prison.<ref name="ET20110720">{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/213319/two-kashmiri-leaders-arrested-in-us-on-illegal-lobbying-for-pakistan/|title=Kashmiri lobbyist arrested for withholding information|last=Imtiaz|first=Huma|date=20 July 2011|work=The Express Tribune|accessdate=21 July 2011}}</ref> Zaheer Ahmad was not arrested and was thought to be living in Pakistan.<ref name="UT20110719"/> On 8 October 2011, it was reported that Ahmad had died in Islamabad at the age of 63 due to a [[brain haemorrhage]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/269492/spying-suspect-doctor-linked-with-nabi-fai-dies-in-islamabad/|title=Spying suspect: Doctor linked with Nabi Fai dies in Islamabad|work=[[The Express Tribune]]|date=8 October 2011|accessdate=8 October 2011}}</ref>

===Bail===
At his initial court appearance, the prosecution claimed that, after his arrest, Fai had admitted to receiving money from ISI but said that he maintained an independent viewpoint on issues pertaining to Kashmir.<ref name="Reuters20110726">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-pakistan-kashmir-idUSTRE76P7ED20110726|title=U.S. citizen in Pakistani lobbying case out on bond|last=Vicini|first=James|date=26 July 2011|work=Reuters|accessdate=27 July 2011}}</ref> FBI agent Sarah Linden stated that previously Fai had denied knowing anyone from ISI. Fai himself said nothing at the trial. He was granted [[bail]] and placed under [[house arrest]]. His and his wife's passports were confiscated, and Fai was forbidden from making any contact with any foreign government or witness.<ref name="ET20110727">{{cite web|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/218322/ghulam-nabi-fai-admits-to-receiving-money-from-isi/|title=Ghulam Nabi Fai admits to receiving money from ISI|last=Imtiaz|first=Huma|date=27 July 2011|work=Express Tribune|accessdate=27 July 2011}}</ref>

===Guilty plea===
On 7 December 2011, Fai pleaded guilty in the court of conspiracy and tax evasion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/12/08/fai-pleads-guilty-to-working-for-isi.html |title=Fai pleads guilty to working for ISI | Newspaper |publisher=Dawn.Com |date= |accessdate=10 December 2011}}</ref> As part of his guilty plea, Fai signed an 81-paragraph "Statement of Fact" cataloguing his crimes, with specific details as to the instructions and payments he received from his ISI handlers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=128875 |title=Fai pleads guilty of conspiracy |publisher=Pakobserver.net |date=19 July 2011 |access-date=10 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424035342/http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=128875 |archive-date=24 April 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Court documents revealed his primary ISI handlers to have been Javeed Aziz Khan (alias "Brigadier Abdullah ('Khan')"; Major-General Mumtaz Ahmad Bajwa, who later became head of the ISI's Security Directorate that oversees [[Kashmir]]i militant groups, Lieutenant-Colonel Touqeer Mehmood Butt, and Sohail Mahmood (alias "Mir").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/ghulam-nabi-fai-pleads-guilty-of-spying-for-the-isi-156251&cp |title=ISI had full sway over Fai and his organisation |publisher=Ndtv.com |date= |accessdate=10 December 2011}}</ref> An attorney submitted in a foot-note to a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia, that Fai misled people about possessing a doctorate degree.<ref name=Rediff1 /> In March 2012 Fai was sentenced to two years in prison.<ref>Matthew Barakat, [http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/kashmir-activist-sentenced-to-1402617.html Kashmir activist sentenced to 2 years in Va.], [[Associated Press]], 30 March 2012.</ref>

===Sentence reduction and release===
On 15 November 2013, the Assistant US Attorney who had prosecuted Fai asked the court to reduce Fai's sentence to 16 months time served. The motion was granted by the original sentencing judge on 22 November 2013, and Fai was released from the [[Federal Correctional Institution, Cumberland|Federal Correctional Institution in Cumberland, Maryland]].<ref>Aziz Haniffa, [http://www.rediff.com/news/report/us-court-releases-kashmiri-separatist-ghulam-nabi-fai-/20131226.htm US court releases Kashmiri separatist Ghulam Nabi Fai], [[Rediff News]], 26 December 2013.</ref>

==Reactions==
The [[Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C.]] issued a statement after the arrest claiming that "it had no knowledge" of Fai's alleged ties with the Pakistani [[The Establishment|establishment]], though he was a regular visitor to the Embassy.<ref name="UT20110719"/> However an unnamed Pakistani official told ''[[The Independent]]'' that Fai was getting funding from ISI as he was unable to raise money from the [[Pakistani American]] community.<ref name="Indy20110721">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/pakistan-gave-4m-to-illegal-kashmiri-lobby-group-in-washington-2317795.html|title=Pakistan gave $4m to illegal Kashmiri lobby group in Washington|last=Waraich|first=Omar|date=21 July 2011|work=The Independent|accessdate=21 July 2011|location=London}}</ref> The Pakistani government lodged its concern over the arrest and accused the US of embarking on a "slander campaign" against Pakistan.<ref name="dawn20110722">{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/21/pakistan-accuses-us-of-slander-over-fai%E2%80%99s-arrest.html|title=Pakistan accuses US of slander over Fai's arrest|date=22 July 2011|work=Dawn|accessdate=22 July 2011}}</ref> The [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan]] released a statement lauding the "contributions made by the Kashmiri American Council and Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai for the cause of Jammu and Kashmir." It further commented that "upholding fundamental rights of Kashmiris is the fundamental responsibility of the international community and all conscientious people who value human rights and values" and added that "campaigns to defame the just cause of the Kashmiri people will not affect its legitimacy."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pakistan-protests-arrest-of-ghulam-nabi-fai/820833/|title=Pakistan protests arrest of Ghulam Nabi Fai|work=Indian Express|date=22 July 2011|accessdate=23 July 2011}}</ref>

A statement released by the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Home ministry of India]] said "The arrest of Ghulam Nabi Fai was long overdue. We had (a) fair degree of suspicion that the money which he received was given by the agencies in Pakistan."<ref name="IBN20110723">{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/fai-arrest-was-overdue-home-ministry/169575-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016162452/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/fai-arrest-was-overdue-home-ministry/169575-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 October 2012|title=Fai arrest was overdue: Home Ministry|date=23 July 2011|work=CNN-IBN|accessdate=23 July 2011}}</ref>

Fai donated money to Congressman [[Joseph R. Pitts]] over the years. After finding out about Fai's arrest, Pitts donated the same amount to charity.<ref name="PP20110719">{{cite web|url=http://thepennsylvaniaprogressive.com/diary/3485/joe-pitts-took-pakistani-money|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716211045/http://thepennsylvaniaprogressive.com/diary/3485/joe-pitts-took-pakistani-money|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Joe Pitts Took Pakistani Money|last=Morgan|first=John|date=19 July 2011|work=The Pennsylvania Progressive|access-date=21 July 2011}}</ref> Pitts denied knowing Fai had external financings. In a letter published in [[Intelligencer Journal]] Pitt wrote "Clearly, much more was going on. Dr. Fai will get his day in court. Before long, we will learn exactly what he was doing behind the scenes. Whatever the ISI hoped to accomplish, it didn't work."<ref name="LO20110722">{{cite web|url=http://lancasteronline.com/blogs/tommurse/2011/07/22/joe-pitts-it-never-appeared-to-me-that-dr-fai-was-a-lobbyist-for-pakistan/|title=Joe Pitts: "It never appeared to me that Dr. Fai was a lobbyist for Pakistan"|date=22 July 2011|work=Lancaster Online|accessdate=23 July 2011}}</ref>

U.S representative from Indiana [[Dan Burton]], who frequently supports Pakistan's position on Kashmir, was a major recipient of contributions from Fai.<ref name="iqbal">{{cite web|url=http://www.dawn.com/2011/07/21/pro-pakistan-american-lawmakers-in-trouble.html|title=Pro-Pakistan American lawmakers in trouble|last=Iqbal|first=Anwar|date=21 July 2011|work=Dawn|accessdate=21 July 2011}}</ref> Expressing shock at his arrest, Burton admitted to having known Fai for more than 20 years and stated "in that time I had no inkling of his involvement with any foreign intelligence operation and had presumed our correspondence was legitimate". He said that funds he received from Fai would be donated to the [[Boy Scouts of America]].<ref name="Dawn20110721"/> Fai's arrest was condemned by separatist Kashmiri leader [[Syed Ali Shah Geelani]],<ref name="HT20110721">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Separatists-flay-Fai-arrest-locals-don-t-care/Article1-723678.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125074817/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Separatists-flay-Fai-arrest-locals-don-t-care/Article1-723678.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|title=Separatists flay Fai arrest, locals don't care|date=21 July 2011|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=21 July 2011}}</ref> who described him as their "ambassador".<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 December 2011|title=Fai is our ambassador, says Geelani|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/fai-is-our-ambassador-says-geelani/891801/|access-date=|website=Indian Express}}</ref>

His arrest was welcomed by the [[Kashmiri Pandit]] community. According to Lalit Koul, the President of the Indo-American Kashmir Forum, "It was always clear that this (Fai's) group was following the official Pakistani version of the Kashmir story. In all instances, the truth was obfuscated by misinformation provided by our opponents masquerading as Kashmiri freedom fighters."<ref name="TOI20110721">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-21/us/29799522_1_fbi-affidavit-pakistani-community-pakistani-americans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105223231/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-21/us/29799522_1_fbi-affidavit-pakistani-community-pakistani-americans|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 November 2012|title=As Pak lobbyist falls on ISI sword, 'Hai-Fai' among Kashmiri Pandits|last=Rajghatta|first=Chidanand|date=21 July 2011|work=[[The Times of India]]|accessdate=21 July 2011}}</ref>

==Post release==
After being released, as of March 2020, it was reported that Fai has appeared on media channels across US to highlight "Indian atrocities in Kashmir and against Muslims", authored articles, collaborated with Indian influencers, and resumed his interactions with members of the US Senate.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mishra |title=Abhinandan |url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/isis-man-us-ghulam-fai-back-lobbying-india |accessdate=9 March 2020 |publisher=Sunday Guardian |date=2020-03-07}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|United States|Politics}}
* [[India–United States relations]]
* [[Kashmir conflict]]
* [[Pakistan lobby in the United States]]
* [[Pakistan–United States relations]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.fbi.gov/washingtondc/press-releases/2011/two-charged-with-conspiring-to-act-as-unregistered-agents-of-pakistani-government Two Charged with Conspiring to Act as Unregistered Agents of Pakistani Government], FBI Press release
* [http://www.kashmiri.com/ Kashmiri American Council]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111003170655/http://burton.house.gov/posts/rep-burton-responds-to-the-arrest-of-dr-syed-fai U.S. Representative Dan Burton's comments on Fai's arrest]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111002211738/http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/425373_Unaware-of-Pakistanis--alleged-ties.html U.S. representative Joseph Pitts letter about Fai published in Intelligencer journal]
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14240154 Profile: Ghulam Nabi Fai], [[BBC]]
* [https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/aug/31/kashmir-india Nabi-Fai, Ghulam: The people of Kashmir must be allowed to vote on their own future], The Guardian, 2010-08-31
* [http://hasbrouck.org/blog/archives/001955.html Edward Hasbrouck: Kashmiri-American leader charged with failing to register as a "Foreign Agent"]

{{Pakistan–United States relations}}
{{Jammu and Kashmir freedom movement}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fai, Syed Ghulam Nabi}}
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