ED Raids 13 Locations In Money Laundering Probe Linked To Illegal Infiltration

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), through its Lucknow Zonal Office, carried out search operations at 13 premises on 16 July 2026 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The action forms part of an ongoing investigation under ECIR No ECIR/LKZO/14/2024, which relates to an alleged terror funding and illegal infiltration network.

The searches were conducted to gather evidence linked to suspected financial transactions and activities that are currently under investigation.

The money laundering case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

According to the investigation, an organised syndicate allegedly facilitated the illegal entry of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into India.

Investigators also suspect that the network arranged forged Indian identity documents for the infiltrators and helped rehabilitate them in different parts of the country.

According to the ED, the predicate investigation has uncovered an extensive financial network involving certain charitable trusts and other entities.

These organisations are alleged to have received significant foreign contributions. Investigators claim the funds were subsequently diverted through multiple bank accounts, mule accounts, and layered financial transactions.

The agency is examining whether these funds were used to support illegal activities connected with the alleged infiltration network.

Investigators have also identified a pattern of cash withdrawals and small-value bank transfers that were allegedly routed to suspected beneficiaries.

The ED is examining financial records and banking transactions to trace the movement of funds. It is also working to identify individuals and organisations that may have been linked to the alleged network.

Officials believe the financial trail could provide crucial evidence in the ongoing money laundering investigation.

Probe Continues

The Enforcement Directorate said the investigation remains at an active stage and further inquiries are underway.

Officials are expected to examine the material collected during the searches to determine the extent of the alleged network and establish whether any violations of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act or other laws have taken place.

The agency has not announced any arrests in connection with the case so far.

Also Read: ‘Wherever A Kutchi Lives, Kutch Lives There’: PM Modi On Ashadhi Bij