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{{short description|Indian criminal organization}}
{{redirect|D Company|the films|D Company (2013 film)|and|D Company (2021 film)|the PIRA company based on the Falls Road during The Troubles|Provisional IRA Belfast Brigade}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2013}}
{{short description|Indian criminal organization}}
{{Infobox criminal organization
{{Infobox criminal organization
| name = D-Company
| name = D-Company
| image = <!--(filename only)-->
| image_size = <!--(defaults to 220px)-->
| caption =  
| caption =  
| founded = 1970s
| founded = 1970s
| founder = [[Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar]]<ref>https://www.efsas.org/publications/articles-by-efsas/dawood-ibrahim-%E2%80%93-convergence-of-crime-and-terrorism/</ref><br>[[Dawood Ibrahim]]
| image = [[File:D-Company logo.png|120px]]
| founder = [[Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar]]<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.efsas.org/publications/articles-by-efsas/dawood-ibrahim-%E2%80%93-convergence-of-crime-and-terrorism/|title=Dawood Ibrahim – Convergence of Crime and Terrorism|access-date=27 October 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031113521/https://www.efsas.org/publications/articles-by-efsas/dawood-ibrahim-%E2%80%93-convergence-of-crime-and-terrorism/|url-status=live}}</ref><br>[[Dawood Ibrahim]]
| named_after = Dawood Ibrahim
| named_after = Dawood Ibrahim
| founding_location = [[Bombay]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| founding_location = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| years_active = 1970s{{ndash}}present
| years_active = 1970s{{ndash}}present
| territory = [[Asia]]  
| territory = [[Asia]], [[Middle East]] and [[North America]]
| leaders = Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar (deceased), Dawood Ibrahim
| leaders = [[Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar]] (deceased)<br>[[Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar]]
| allies =  
| allies = Dubai mafia, Mumbai Underworld
| rivals = [[Chhota Rajan]], [[Ejaz Lakdawala]], [[Arun Gawli]]
| rivals =  
| notable_members = Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar, Dawood Ibrahim, [[Chhota Shakeel]], [[Tiger Memon]], [[Yakub Memon]], [[Abu Salem]], Fazlur Rahman(Fazal Sheikh)
| notable_members = Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar, Dawood Ibrahim, [[Chhota Shakeel]], [[Tiger Memon]], [[Yakub Memon]], [[Abu Salem]], Fazlur Rahman (Fazal Sheikh), Aslam aka (ASK)
| criminal activities = [[Mumbai underworld]], [[Indian mafia]], [[Pakistani mafia]], [[murder]], [[extortion]], [[targeted killing]], [[drug trafficking]], [[terrorism]], multiple bombings,<ref name=Interpol>{{cite web |title=Shaikh, Dawood Hasan |publisher=[[Interpol]] |url=http://www.interpol.int/Wanted-Persons/%28wanted_id%29/1993-14193 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121212010010/http://www.interpol.int/Wanted-Persons/(wanted_id)/1993-14193 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 December 2012 |access-date=30 December 2012 }}</ref> alleged involvement in [[1993 Mumbai bombings]]
| activities = [[Murder]], [[extortion]], [[targeted killing]], [[drug trafficking]], [[terrorism]], multiple bombings,<ref name=Interpol>{{cite web |title=Shaikh, Dawood Hasan |publisher=[[Interpol]] |url=http://www.interpol.int/Wanted-Persons/%28wanted_id%29/1993-14193 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121212010010/http://www.interpol.int/Wanted-Persons/(wanted_id)/1993-14193 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 December 2012 |access-date=30 December 2012 }}</ref> alleged involvement in [[1993 Bombay bombings]]
}}
}}
'''D-Company''' is a name coined by the [[Indian media]] for the [[Mumbai underworld]] [[Organized crime|organized criminal]] syndicate founded and controlled by [[Dawood Ibrahim]], an [[Indian mafia]] boss, [[drug dealer]] and wanted [[terrorist]]. In 2011, Ibrahim, along with his D-Company, was number three on the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]]'s "The World's 10 Most Wanted Fugitives" list.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/2011/06/14/most-wanted-fugitives_slide_4.html "Dawood 4th 'most wanted' criminal on Forbes list"]. ''The Times of India''. (29 April 2008). Retrieved 16 April 2012.</ref>
'''D-Company''' is a name coined by the [[Indian media]] for the [[organized crime]] syndicate founded and controlled by [[Dawood Ibrahim]], a wanted criminal, [[drug dealer]] and wanted [[terrorist]]. In 2011, Ibrahim, along with his D-Company, was ranked third on the [[FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives]].<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/2011/06/14/most-wanted-fugitives_slide_4.html "Dawood 4th 'most wanted' criminal on Forbes list"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229024710/https://www.forbes.com/2011/06/14/most-wanted-fugitives_slide_4.html |date=29 December 2019 }}. ''The Times of India''. (29 April 2008). Retrieved 16 April 2012.</ref>
 
It has been designated as a [[Specially Designated Global Terrorist|Global Terrorist Organization]] under the [[Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List|SDN]] by the [[United States Department of the Treasury]]'s [[Office of Foreign Assets Control]], with addresses in India, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DAWOOD IBRAHIM ORGANIZATION |url=https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/Details.aspx?id=9759 |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov |archive-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909012614/https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/Details.aspx?id=9759 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Overview==
==Overview==
[[Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar]]<ref>https://www.efsas.org/publications/articles-by-efsas/dawood-ibrahim-%E2%80%93-convergence-of-crime-and-terrorism/</ref> and Dawood Ibrahim established a criminal syndicate in 1970s India.<ref>{{cite news |title=1993 Mumbai blasts |author=Husain, F.| date=1993-03-12|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5337210.stm |newspaper=BBC News}}</ref>
[[Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar]]<ref name="auto"/> and Dawood Ibrahim established a criminal syndicate in 1970s India.<ref>{{cite news |title=1993 Mumbai blasts |author=Husain, F. |date=1993-03-12 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5337210.stm |newspaper=BBC News |access-date=4 January 2013 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402202717/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/5337210.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>


Other prominent members of the gang include [[Chhota Shakeel]], [[Tiger Memon]],<ref>http://www.firstpost.com/india/its-official-again-ahead-of-nsa-talks-fresh-photo-passport-copy-of-dawood-confirm-hes-in-pakistan-2403302.html</ref> [[Yakub Memon]] (linked), [[Abu Salem]] and Fazlur Rahman (Fazal Sheikh). The organization has a history of rivalry with the [[Mumbai police]] and other underworld dons such as [[Chhota Rajan]], [[Ejaz Lakdawala]], who was arrested in Canada in 2004, and [[Arun Gawli]].
Other prominent members of the gang include [[Chhota Shakeel]], [[Tiger Memon]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/its-official-again-ahead-of-nsa-talks-fresh-photo-passport-copy-of-dawood-confirm-hes-in-pakistan-2403302.html|title=Pak High Commissioner: Dawood Ibrahim is not in Pakistan, does India know where he is?|date=29 October 2015|access-date=24 August 2015|archive-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126135426/http://www.firstpost.com/india/its-official-again-ahead-of-nsa-talks-fresh-photo-passport-copy-of-dawood-confirm-hes-in-pakistan-2403302.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Yakub Memon]] (linked), [[Abu Salem]] and Fazlur Rahman (Fazal Sheikh). The organization has a history of rivalry with the [[Mumbai police]] and other underworld dons such as [[Chhota Rajan]], [[Ejaz Lakdawala]], who was arrested in Canada in 2004, and [[Arun Gawli]].


==History==
==History==
In the 1970s, Dawood Ibrahim worked for a local smuggler named Bashu Dada. Bashu Dada had a close friendship with Dawood's father, who was a police . His father wielded immense clout among the gangsters and common people due to his sense of morality and justice, while also being a part of the Crime Branch. However, Bashu Dada and Dawood had a falling-out after Bashu Dada insulted the latter's father. In 1976, Dawood – along with seven of his close friends and his elder brother [[Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar]] – attacked Basu Dada with empty soda bottles, a first in the history of gang warfare in Bombay.
In the 1970s, Dawood Ibrahim worked for a local smuggler named Bashu Dada. Bashu Dada was close friends with Dawood's father, who was a policeman. His father wielded immense clout among the gangsters and common people due to his sense of morality and justice, while also being a part of the Crime Branch.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}} However, Bashu Dada and Dawood had a falling-out after Bashu Dada insulted the latter's father. In 1976, Dawood – along with seven of his close friends and his elder brother [[Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar]] – attacked Basu Dada with empty soda bottles, a first in the history of gang warfare in Bombay.


After this incident Bashu Dada's key enforcer Khalid Pehlwan persuaded Dawood to start his smuggling operations, which led to the formation of the D Company. Dawood and his elder brother Shabir, with the help of Khalid Pehlwan, began their smuggling operations. This ultimately led them to clash with the Pathan gang, the most influential gang in Mumbai at the time. By 1986, D Company had eliminated most of the Pathan gang leadership, emerging as the dominant gang in Mumbai.
After this incident Bashu Dada's key enforcer Khalid Pehlwan persuaded Dawood to start his smuggling operations, which led to the formation of the D-Company. Dawood and his elder brother Shabir, with the help of Khalid Pehlwan, began their smuggling operations. This ultimately led them to clash with the Pathan gang, the most influential gang in Mumbai at the time. By 1986, D Company had eliminated most of the Pathan gang leadership, emerging as the dominant gang in Mumbai.


In 1993, D-Company associates were involved in [[1993 Bombay bombings]]. Few have been jailed for it.
In 1993, D-Company associates were involved in the [[1993 Bombay bombings]]. Few have been jailed for it.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}


In 1997, D-Company former member Abu Salem and Fazlur Rahman was responsible for the murder of [[Super Cassettes Industries T-Series|T-Series]] founder and [[Bollywood music]] producer [[Gulshan Kumar]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Mafia Calls The Shots|journal=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|date=25 August 1997|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-mafia-calls-the-shots/204098}}</ref>
In 1997, D-Company former member Abu Salem and Fazlur Rahman was responsible for the murder of [[Super Cassettes Industries T-Series|T-Series]] founder and [[Bollywood music]] producer [[Gulshan Kumar]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Mafia Calls The Shots|journal=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|date=25 August 1997|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-mafia-calls-the-shots/204098|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=12 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084237/https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-mafia-calls-the-shots/204098|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2011, Indian intelligence agencies managed to link Dawood Company with the [[2G spectrum case]], through DB Realty and DB Etisalat (formerly Swan Telecom) promoted by [[Shahid Balwa]]. Later in March, security at CBI headquarters in Delhi was tightened after it had been suggested that D-Company might launch an attack in an attempt to destroy documents relating to the ongoing probe of the 2G spectrum case.<ref>{{cite news |title=2G: Dawood planning to attack CBI HQ? |url=http://www.zeenews.com/news695021.html |publisher=[[Zee News]]|date= 23 March 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dawood threat to CBI over 2G probe? |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-23/india/29177758_1_swan-telecom-spectrum-scam-2g |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405212225/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-23/india/29177758_1_swan-telecom-spectrum-scam-2g |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 April 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=23 March 2011 }}</ref>
In 2011, Indian intelligence agencies managed to link Dawood Company with the [[2G spectrum case]], through DB Realty and DB Etisalat (formerly Swan Telecom) promoted by [[Shahid Balwa]]. Later in March, security at CBI headquarters in Delhi was tightened after it had been suggested that D-Company might launch an attack in an attempt to destroy documents relating to the ongoing probe of the 2G spectrum case.<ref>{{cite news |title=2G: Dawood planning to attack CBI HQ? |url=http://www.zeenews.com/news695021.html |publisher=[[Zee News]] |date=23 March 2011 |access-date=25 March 2011 |archive-date=10 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110183604/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/2g-dawood-planning-to-attack-cbi-hq_695021.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Dawood threat to CBI over 2G probe? |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-23/india/29177758_1_swan-telecom-spectrum-scam-2g |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405212225/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-23/india/29177758_1_swan-telecom-spectrum-scam-2g |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 April 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=23 March 2011 }}</ref>


In 2015, a US Congressional report alleged that the D-Company was a "5,000-member criminal syndicate operating mostly in Pakistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates," which has a "strategic alliance" with [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] and has "forged relationships with [[Islamist]]s, including [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] and [[al-Qaida]]." However, the report had no political implications, and was mainly to brief lawmakers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Dawood-is-a-terrorist-has-strategic-alliance-with-ISI-says-US/articleshow/5418149.cms|title=Dawood is a terrorist, has 'strategic alliance' with ISI, says US |work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-06-07}}</ref>
In 2015, a US Congressional report alleged that the D-Company was a "5,000-member criminal syndicate operating mostly in Pakistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates," which has a "strategic alliance" with [[Inter-Services Intelligence|ISI]] and has "forged relationships with [[Islamist]]s, including [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] and [[al-Qaeda]]." However, the report had no political implications, and was mainly to brief lawmakers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Dawood-is-a-terrorist-has-strategic-alliance-with-ISI-says-US/articleshow/5418149.cms|title=Dawood is a terrorist, has 'strategic alliance' with ISI, says US|work=The Times of India|access-date=2017-06-07|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003232824/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Dawood-is-a-terrorist-has-strategic-alliance-with-ISI-says-US/articleshow/5418149.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2018, Dr Louise Shelley, Professor at the [[George Mason University]], stated that the D-Company was now mainly based in Pakistan and had diversified its assets like Mexican drug organisations.<ref>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/dawood-ibrahims-d-company-has-diversified-us-lawmakers-told/articleshow/63425953.cms?from=mdr Dawood Ibrahim's D-company has diversified, US lawmakers told], ''Indiatimes.com'', 23 March 2018 (accessed on 30 July 2019)</ref>  
Dawood was also wire-tapped by Indian investigators who found out he had real estate assets in Dubai under someone else's name.<ref>Arvind Ojha, Divyesh Singh, [https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dawood-ibrahim-d-company-business-empire-1208242-2018-04-09 Caught on tape: How underworld don Dawood Ibrahim manages his business empire] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809015135/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dawood-ibrahim-d-company-business-empire-1208242-2018-04-09 |date=9 August 2022 }}, ''Indiatoday.in'', 9 April 2018 (accessed on 30 July 2019)</ref>


Dawood was also wire-taped by Indian investigators who found out he had real estate assets in Dubai under someone else's name.<ref>Arvind Ojha, Divyesh Singh, [https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dawood-ibrahim-d-company-business-empire-1208242-2018-04-09 Caught on tape: How underworld don Dawood Ibrahim manages his business empire], ''Indiatoday.in'', 9 April 2018 (accessed on 30 July 2019)</ref>
In 2018, Dr Louise Shelley, Professor at the [[George Mason University]], stated that the D-Company was now mainly based in Pakistan and had diversified its assets.<ref>[https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/dawood-ibrahims-d-company-has-diversified-us-lawmakers-told/articleshow/63425953.cms?from=mdr Dawood Ibrahim's D-company has diversified, US lawmakers told] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623080924/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/dawood-ibrahims-d-company-has-diversified-us-lawmakers-told/articleshow/63425953.cms?from=mdr |date=23 June 2020 }}, ''Indiatimes.com'', 23 March 2018 (accessed on 30 July 2019)</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
At times, Dawood Company has been linked to the [[Bollywood]] film industry, as well as real estate and betting businesses, from which it is said to derive considerable revenue. The 2002 film ''[[Company (2002 film)|Company]]'' is based loosely on its activities, as well as its sequel (prequel to the storyline) ''[[D (film)|D]]'' (2005), ''[[Shootout at Lokhandwala]]'' (2007), and ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbai]]'' (2010).<ref name=em>{{cite web |title=Akshay to play dreaded don Dawood? |url=http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/films-music/akshay-to-play-dreaded-don-dawood-2011-03-07-1.364805 |date=7 March 2011|publisher=Emirates247 }}</ref> The 2013 film ''[[Shootout at Wadala]]'' is based on the rise of the D-Company. It also features in Salman Rushdie's 2018 novel ''The Golden House'', where it is called Z-Company.
At times, Dawood Company has been linked to the [[Bollywood]] film industry, as well as real estate and betting businesses, from which it is said to derive considerable revenue.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}} The 2002 film ''[[Company (2002 film)|Company]]'' is based loosely on its activities, as well as its sequel (prequel to the storyline) ''[[D (film)|D]]'' (2005), ''[[Shootout at Lokhandwala]]'' (2007), and ''[[Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai]]'' (2010).<ref name=em>{{cite web |title=Akshay to play dreaded don Dawood? |url=http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/films-music/akshay-to-play-dreaded-don-dawood-2011-03-07-1.364805 |date=7 March 2011 |publisher=Emirates247 |access-date=25 March 2011 |archive-date=27 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727111500/https://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/films-music/akshay-to-play-dreaded-don-dawood-2011-03-07-1.364805 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Black Friday (2004 film)|Black Friday]]'' (2004) chronicles the events orchestrated by the Dawood Company that led up to [[1993 Bombay bombings|1993 Bombay Blasts]]. The 2013 film ''[[Shootout at Wadala]]'' and the 2021 film ''[[D Company (2021 film)|D Company]]'' are based on the rise of the D-Company. It also features in [[Salman Rushdie's]] 2018 novel ''The Golden House.''


==See also==
== Activity ==
{{Portal|India|Law}}
D-Company makes large amounts of money through [[extortion]], [[kidnapping]], [[racketeering]], [[drug trafficking]], [[smuggling]], [[narcotic]]s, and [[contract killing]]s. For example, D-Company took advantage to smuggle gold and silver during Mumbai's economic struggles of the 1980s. According to Materia Islamica, they smuggled approximately 25–30% of India's total gold and silver imports. This created a monopoly that allowed their leader, Dawood Ibrahim, to set his own selling prices throughout India.{{citation needed|date=May 2025}}
 
== See also ==
{{Portal bar|India|Crime}}
* [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI)
* [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI)
* [[Indian mafia]]
* [[Organised crime in India]]
* [[Indian Police Service]]
* [[Research and Analysis Wing]] (RAW)
* [[Research and Analysis Wing]]
* [[Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act]] (TADA)
* [[Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act]]


==References==
==References==
Line 58: Line 62:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://materiaislamica.com/index.php/%27D%27_Company_(Indian_Mafia_Crime_Syndicate) A History of D-Company, It's Businesses and Their 10 Billion Dollar Empire]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071022174950/http://flonnet.com/fl2004/stories/20030228003910800.htm Flonnet.com], "'D' Company on the run?" ''FrontLine'' magazine report, volume 20, issue 04, 15–28 February 2003
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071022174950/http://flonnet.com/fl2004/stories/20030228003910800.htm Flonnet.com], "'D' Company on the run?" ''FrontLine'' magazine report, volume 20, issue 04, 15–28 February 2003
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20141108074338/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1544569,00300001.htm HindustanTimes.com], Godfather III: The Terrorist
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20141108074338/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1544569,00300001.htm HindustanTimes.com], Godfather III: The Terrorist
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070808222156/http://www.outlookindia.com/dossiersind.asp?id=542 OutlookIndia.com], Indian Mafia, their Ties, Updates and Experts' Opinions
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070808222156/http://www.outlookindia.com/dossiersind.asp?id=542 OutlookIndia.com], Indian Mafia, their Ties, Updates and Experts' Opinions
{{Organised crime in India}}


[[Category:D-Company| ]]
[[Category:D-Company| ]]
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[[Category:Crime in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Crime in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Crime in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Crime in the United Arab Emirates]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by the United States]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Asia designated as terrorist]]

Latest revision as of 16:56, 25 March 2026


"D Company" redirects here. For the films, see D Company (2013 film) and D Company (2021 film). For the PIRA company based on the Falls Road during The Troubles, see Provisional IRA Belfast Brigade.

Template:Infobox criminal organization D-Company is a name coined by the Indian media for the organized crime syndicate founded and controlled by Dawood Ibrahim, a wanted criminal, drug dealer and wanted terrorist. In 2011, Ibrahim, along with his D-Company, was ranked third on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.[1]

It has been designated as a Global Terrorist Organization under the SDN by the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, with addresses in India, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.[2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar[3] and Dawood Ibrahim established a criminal syndicate in 1970s India.[4]

Other prominent members of the gang include Chhota Shakeel, Tiger Memon[5] Yakub Memon (linked), Abu Salem and Fazlur Rahman (Fazal Sheikh). The organization has a history of rivalry with the Mumbai police and other underworld dons such as Chhota Rajan, Ejaz Lakdawala, who was arrested in Canada in 2004, and Arun Gawli.

History[edit | edit source]

In the 1970s, Dawood Ibrahim worked for a local smuggler named Bashu Dada. Bashu Dada was close friends with Dawood's father, who was a policeman. His father wielded immense clout among the gangsters and common people due to his sense of morality and justice, while also being a part of the Crime Branch.[citation needed] However, Bashu Dada and Dawood had a falling-out after Bashu Dada insulted the latter's father. In 1976, Dawood – along with seven of his close friends and his elder brother Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar – attacked Basu Dada with empty soda bottles, a first in the history of gang warfare in Bombay.

After this incident Bashu Dada's key enforcer Khalid Pehlwan persuaded Dawood to start his smuggling operations, which led to the formation of the D-Company. Dawood and his elder brother Shabir, with the help of Khalid Pehlwan, began their smuggling operations. This ultimately led them to clash with the Pathan gang, the most influential gang in Mumbai at the time. By 1986, D Company had eliminated most of the Pathan gang leadership, emerging as the dominant gang in Mumbai.

In 1993, D-Company associates were involved in the 1993 Bombay bombings. Few have been jailed for it.[citation needed]

In 1997, D-Company former member Abu Salem and Fazlur Rahman was responsible for the murder of T-Series founder and Bollywood music producer Gulshan Kumar.[6]

In 2011, Indian intelligence agencies managed to link Dawood Company with the 2G spectrum case, through DB Realty and DB Etisalat (formerly Swan Telecom) promoted by Shahid Balwa. Later in March, security at CBI headquarters in Delhi was tightened after it had been suggested that D-Company might launch an attack in an attempt to destroy documents relating to the ongoing probe of the 2G spectrum case.[7][8]

In 2015, a US Congressional report alleged that the D-Company was a "5,000-member criminal syndicate operating mostly in Pakistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates," which has a "strategic alliance" with ISI and has "forged relationships with Islamists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and al-Qaeda." However, the report had no political implications, and was mainly to brief lawmakers.[9]

Dawood was also wire-tapped by Indian investigators who found out he had real estate assets in Dubai under someone else's name.[10]

In 2018, Dr Louise Shelley, Professor at the George Mason University, stated that the D-Company was now mainly based in Pakistan and had diversified its assets.[11]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

At times, Dawood Company has been linked to the Bollywood film industry, as well as real estate and betting businesses, from which it is said to derive considerable revenue.[citation needed] The 2002 film Company is based loosely on its activities, as well as its sequel (prequel to the storyline) D (2005), Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007), and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010).[12] Black Friday (2004) chronicles the events orchestrated by the Dawood Company that led up to 1993 Bombay Blasts. The 2013 film Shootout at Wadala and the 2021 film D Company are based on the rise of the D-Company. It also features in Salman Rushdie's 2018 novel The Golden House.

Activity[edit | edit source]

D-Company makes large amounts of money through extortion, kidnapping, racketeering, drug trafficking, smuggling, narcotics, and contract killings. For example, D-Company took advantage to smuggle gold and silver during Mumbai's economic struggles of the 1980s. According to Materia Islamica, they smuggled approximately 25–30% of India's total gold and silver imports. This created a monopoly that allowed their leader, Dawood Ibrahim, to set his own selling prices throughout India.[citation needed]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Dawood 4th 'most wanted' criminal on Forbes list" Archived 29 December 2019 at the Wayback Machine. The Times of India. (29 April 2008). Retrieved 16 April 2012.
  2. ↑ "DAWOOD IBRAHIM ORGANIZATION". sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named auto
  4. ↑ Husain, F. (12 March 1993). "1993 Mumbai blasts". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2 April 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2013.
  5. ↑ "Pak High Commissioner: Dawood Ibrahim is not in Pakistan, does India know where he is?". 29 October 2015. Archived from the original on 26 January 2017. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  6. ↑ "The Mafia Calls The Shots". Outlook. 25 August 1997. Archived from the original on 12 December 2017. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  7. ↑ "2G: Dawood planning to attack CBI HQ?". Zee News. 23 March 2011. Archived from the original on 10 January 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
  8. ↑ "Dawood threat to CBI over 2G probe?". The Times of India. 23 March 2011. Archived from the original on 5 April 2012.
  9. ↑ "Dawood is a terrorist, has 'strategic alliance' with ISI, says US". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 October 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2017.
  10. ↑ Arvind Ojha, Divyesh Singh, Caught on tape: How underworld don Dawood Ibrahim manages his business empire Archived 9 August 2022 at the Wayback Machine, Indiatoday.in, 9 April 2018 (accessed on 30 July 2019)
  11. ↑ Dawood Ibrahim's D-company has diversified, US lawmakers told Archived 23 June 2020 at the Wayback Machine, Indiatimes.com, 23 March 2018 (accessed on 30 July 2019)
  12. ↑ "Akshay to play dreaded don Dawood?". Emirates247. 7 March 2011. Archived from the original on 27 July 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2011.

External links[edit | edit source]

  • Flonnet.com, "'D' Company on the run?" FrontLine magazine report, volume 20, issue 04, 15–28 February 2003
  • HindustanTimes.com, Godfather III: The Terrorist
  • OutlookIndia.com, Indian Mafia, their Ties, Updates and Experts' Opinions
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