Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk is now facing allegations of serious financial irregularities. Several reports on irregularities in his foreign funding have surfaced, as the government believes that significant discrepancies have been found within his NGO and private institutions. It is alleged that Wangchuk, under the guise of a mass movement, not only violated the law but also misused foreign funds for personal gain.
Sonam Wangchuk’s troubles may deepen as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is expected to launch an investigation into his NGO, SECMOL, under the FEMA Act. Reports allege that SECMOL failed to provide accurate details of foreign donations and funds, and has not complied with the provisions of the FCRA Act. The institution is also accused of failing to return funds received from abroad. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry has cancelled Wangchuk’s FCRA registration as part of the strict action taken against him.
What Ladakhi Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s institutions did
- Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh – Donations received by HIAL increased from ₹6 crore in 2023-24 to over ₹15 crore in 2024-25. The organisation has seven bank accounts, four of which were not declared. HIAL received foreign funds worth over ₹1.5 crore without FCRA registration. ₹6.5 crore was transferred from HIAL to Sheshyon Innovation Private Limited.
- Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) – This organization has 9 bank accounts, 6 of which were not declared.
- Sonam Wangchuk (Individual) – Sonam Wangchuk has nine personal bank accounts, eight of which were not declared. From 2018 to 2024, foreign funds worth ₹1.68 crore were received in various accounts. Between 2021 and March 2024, Wangchuk sent ₹2.3 crore abroad from his personal account. Many of these transfers went to unknown entities. These dealings have raised suspicions of money laundering.
- Sheshyon Innovations Private Limited – In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the company’s turnover was ₹9.85 crore, but the net profit was only 1.14%, while in 2023-24, the net profit was 6.13%. The company has three accounts, two of which were not declared. According to government sources, a large amount of money was transferred from HIAL to this private company.
- Sonam Wangchuk has often criticized the corporate world. But government sources say his organization received CSR funds from several big companies and PSUs. Large amounts were also transferred from NGO accounts to private companies.
Ladakhi Activist Sonam Wangchuk on his possible arrest
Speaking on NDTV, the 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee said he is “happy to be arrested anytime if it is for this cause.”
He also added what seemed like a warning: “I’m preparing for that [arrest]. I am looking forward to it. I don’t want to be in any confusion… But I want to tell you Sonam Wangchuk in jail will be equally, if not more problematic as Sonam Wangchuk outside participating in dialogues and discussions… because it will awaken people more about how this country is being run.”
