ED steps up searches in Gurugram liquor syndicate money-laundering probe

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Highlights

ED steps up searches in a money-laundering probe into alleged proceeds exceeding ₹10 crore linked to the mega-syndicate 'The Theka'.
More than 1 lakh bottles of foreign liquor were sold without paying taxes or fees between June 2025 and November 2025, generating illegal profits of 20-25%.
Searches led to the seizure of ₹11 lakh in cash, imported liquor and documents related to tax evasion; the case points to tighter scrutiny of liquor distribution and tax compliance.

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

Search operation and alleged tax-evasion scheme

According to the Enforcement Directorate, the action by its Gurugram zonal office is linked to an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, into the role of a licensed liquor shop operating under the name “The Theka” and people associated with it. Searches were conducted at offices and residential premises, including those of suppliers linked to the network, unauthorized individuals supplying foreign liquor without holograms or track-and-trace strips, and transporters.

The agency says the investigation began on the basis of an FIR and chargesheet filed by Haryana Police, alleging misuse of bond-to-bond transfers of imported foreign liquor, evasion of customs and state excise taxes, and illegal sales. On December 9, 2025, excise officials seized 3,921 cases and 176 loose bottles of imported foreign liquor from “The Theka” that did not bear holograms or track-and-trace strips.

The investigation has also revealed that the alleged syndicate set up separate companies in Haryana and Goa or Maharashtra to obtain the required customs licenses and documents. According to the ED, after payments were made to foreign liquor suppliers through banking channels, the goods were shown as having reached bonded warehouses in Haryana. However, instead of being sent to the designated warehouses, they were allegedly diverted directly to shops in Gurugram with the collusion of transporters, where they were sold as legally imported stock.

Findings of the investigation and regional impact

According to the agency, after obtaining liquor licenses for the 2025–2027 period, a plan was made to purchase and sell imported foreign liquor without holograms or track-and-trace strips in order to increase profits. The investigation found that more than 1 lakh bottles were allegedly purchased between June 2025 and November 2025 and sold without paying applicable customs duties, VAT, other taxes or the permit fee due per bulk litre.

The ED alleges that through this model, “The Theka” made a profit of 20 to 25 percent on illegal sales and generated alleged proceeds of crime exceeding ₹10 crore. During the searches, documents, digital records and other incriminating material related to the purchase of imported foreign liquor and its supply under customs bonds were seized. Cash amounting to ₹11 lakh was also recovered.

The case could lead to tighter regulatory scrutiny of organized liquor distribution, licensed retail sales and inter-state tax compliance, particularly in arrangements involving bond-to-bond transfers. The agency said that further investigation is ongoing.

Our previous report covered the ED's ongoing investigation under the PMLA into the Nexa Evergreen investment fraud case in Rajasthan and the filing of a prosecution complaint before the Jaipur Special Court. It highlighted the funds raised from thousands of investors, the alleged shortfall that came to light after payments stopped, and the agency's focus on tracing the alleged proceeds of crime through actions such as searches, arrests, and the freezing or attachment of assets.

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