Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, born on December 26, 1955, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India, is a name synonymous with organized crime and one of the most wanted criminals globally. His notoriety stems from his involvement in a wide array of illegal activities, ranging from drug trafficking and extortion to international terrorism. Dawood Ibrahim grew up in Dongri, a neighbourhood in Mumbai, and started his criminal career in the city's underworld.

In the 1970s, he started his criminal career working for the Haji Mastan gang, a prominent figure in the Mumbai underworld during that time. He quickly rose through the ranks, establishing connections with various criminal elements. Dawood's rise in the criminal underworld was marked by his intelligence, strategic thinking, and ability to forge alliances. Over time, he established his criminal syndicate, often referred to as the "D-Company," which became one of the most powerful and notorious criminal organizations in India.

By the 1980s and 1990s, Dawood had become a key player in the Mumbai underworld. His criminal empire extended to drug trafficking, gold smuggling, and real estate. However, his most infamous act was the orchestration of the 1993 Mumbai bombings. Coordinated by his criminal syndicate alongside international terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Al-Qaeda, the bombings resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction. The 1993 Mumbai bombings, were believed to have been orchestrated in response to the communal riots in Mumbai and the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Reports suggested that the Bollywood film industry might have been used as a conduit for the transfer of funds.

In the aftermath of the 1993 bombings, Dawood gained international notoriety. Several countries, including the United States and India, designated him as a global terrorist. The United Nations Security Council has also issued sanctions against him.

Initially, he lived in UAE itself under the protection of ISI and also because he had good relations with the emirs. But as India tightened its grip over Dawood it became difficult for him to stay in UAE. Dawood is believed to have found refuge in Pakistan, where he is allegedly protected by certain elements within the Pakistani establishment. The Indian government has consistently claimed that Pakistan provides a haven for him, although Pakistan denies these allegations.

Efforts to apprehend Dawood have proven challenging. His elusive nature, coupled with the geopolitical complexities involved, has made it difficult for law enforcement agencies to bring him to justice. Despite being on the wanted list for several crimes, Dawood has managed to evade capture. Indian authorities have often said they believe Dawood lives in Karachi's upmarket Clifton area. But, Pakistan, for decades, has denied sheltering the wanted underworld don and has denied his presence in their country.

The criminal empire he has built is known for its secrecy and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Additionally, Dawood's reported presence in Pakistan has made it quite clear his links with elements within the Pakistani establishment, which may have provided him with protection and facilitated his illicit activities. The full extent of his financial holdings and operations remains a subject of investigation and international concern.

Dawood is also suspected to have a role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people and injured over 300. The attacks were carried out by 10 terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, logistically supported by ISI, who arrived in Mumbai by sea and targeted multiple locations, such as the Taj Mahal Hotel, the Oberoi Trident Hotel, the ChhatrapatiShivaji Terminus, and the Nariman House.

Most recently there has been a report that Dawood was hospitalised due to serious health complications. According to sources close to Dawood, he was being kept under tight security inside the hospital. It is believed that he is the only patient on his floor and only top hospital authorities and his close family members have access to him.

While there have been previous reports claiming that the underworld don contracted COVID-19 or suffered a heart attack and died, sources close to him rejected such claims and asserted that he was alive and well. However, there have been reports and rumours over the years suggesting that Indian intelligence agencies might consider covert actions, including targeted operations, to apprehend or eliminate Dawood Ibrahim.