ED seized cash and gold in raids on the alleged money laundering network

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ED seized cash and gold

Highlights

ED conducted raids at several locations including West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana as part of a money laundering investigation.
The raids led to the seizure of cash and gold, and uncovered a network involved in fake documents, human trafficking, and settling infiltrators through banks.
Various trusts and organizations received foreign funding under FCRA and laundered money through layered transactions, mule bank accounts, and cash withdrawals.

This article was translated from the original. Read the original version by our correspondent here.

Scope of Search Operations and Investigation

According to the Enforcement Directorate, the Lucknow Zonal Office conducted these searches under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and other locations. This action is linked to ECIR number ECIR/LKZO/14/2024, which pertains to the investigation of the alleged terror funding and illegal infiltration network.

The agency stated that the background of the money laundering probe is connected to an FIR filed by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad on 11.10.2023. The FIR accuses an organized gang of facilitating the illegal entry of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into India, preparing fake Indian identity documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and passports, and subsequently settling them in various parts of the country.

Financial Network and Impact of Seizure

The investigation has reportedly revealed a deep network involved in creating fake documents, human trafficking, illegal settlement of infiltrators, and operating fraudulent bank accounts. The agency has also identified the role of certain charitable trusts and organizations accused of facilitating illegal activities by receiving foreign contributions.

According to the ED, further investigation has uncovered a complex financial structure in which various trusts and organizations allegedly received substantial foreign funds through FCRA channels and laundered them via layered transactions, mule bank accounts, and cash withdrawals. The agency also stated that multiple bank accounts were used to send funds in small installments to several beneficiaries to help them settle in India.

During the searches, the agency also recorded statements from key individuals. The case is still under investigation and further inquiries are ongoing.

Our previous report detailed ED's action regarding alleged illegal earnings from organized immigration in Jalandhar and U.S. visa fraud. It mentioned the alleged conspiracy to strengthen visa applications using fake educational/experience documents and forged fund proofs, prosecution complaints, and steps such as seizure of cash and gold and freezing/attachment of properties.

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