New Delhi, Jul 16: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out searches at 13 locations across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and West Bengal as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged terror funding and illegal infiltration network, officials said.
The raids were conducted by the ED’s Lucknow Zonal Office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The investigation stems from a 2024 FIR registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), which pertains to an alleged organised syndicate accused of facilitating the illegal infiltration of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into India. The network is also suspected of arranging forged Indian identity documents and assisting the rehabilitation of illegal immigrants in different parts of the country.
According to officials, the ATS investigation uncovered a “deep-rooted” financial network involving certain charitable trusts and entities that allegedly received substantial foreign contributions. The funds were reportedly diverted through multiple bank accounts, mule accounts and layered financial transactions to support illegal activities.
Investigators also found indications of cash withdrawals and small-value transfers made to suspected beneficiaries as part of the alleged operation.
The ED is examining the money trail and the role of individuals and organisations suspected of facilitating the network. Further investigation is underway. (Agencies)
