ED Conducts Multi-State Raids in Terror Funding and Illegal Infiltration Investigation

Lucknow, July 16: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday launched coordinated search operations across four states as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation into an alleged network accused of financing unlawful activities and facilitating the illegal entry of foreign nationals into India.

Officials said the searches were carried out at nearly 13 locations spread across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and West Bengal under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The operation was led by the ED’s Lucknow Zonal Office and forms part of a broader effort to trace the movement of funds suspected to have been used in illegal infiltration and related activities.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, the case originates from a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in 2024. The ATS had alleged the existence of an organised network involved in facilitating the entry of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into India through unlawful channels.

Investigators believe the syndicate not only assisted individuals in entering the country illegally but also helped them obtain forged Indian identity documents. These documents allegedly enabled them to settle in different regions without attracting immediate scrutiny from authorities.

The money laundering probe has expanded after investigators identified what they described as a sophisticated financial structure allegedly supporting the network’s operations. Officials said preliminary findings point to the involvement of certain charitable trusts and associated organisations that reportedly received sizeable foreign contributions.

The agency is examining whether these funds were diverted through multiple bank accounts using layered transactions designed to conceal their origin and final destination. Investigators suspect that several mule accounts were used to move money across different channels before it reached intended recipients.

Officials also stated that the financial trail revealed repeated cash withdrawals and numerous low-value electronic transfers, a pattern commonly examined in money laundering investigations to avoid triggering regulatory alerts. These transactions are now being analysed to determine whether they were linked to individuals or entities connected with the alleged infiltration network.

During Thursday’s searches, ED teams collected financial records, digital devices and other documents believed to be relevant to the investigation. Authorities are expected to scrutinise these materials to establish the source of funds, identify beneficiaries and determine whether money laundering offences were committed under the PMLA.

The investigation is also focusing on the alleged misuse of foreign donations received by certain organisations. Officials are examining whether the contributions were utilised for purposes other than those declared and whether any violations of financial regulations or other applicable laws occurred.

Sources indicated that investigators are mapping financial links between individuals, institutions and bank accounts to uncover the full extent of the suspected network. The agency is expected to coordinate with other central and state law enforcement bodies as the probe progresses.

Officials emphasised that the searches are part of an ongoing investigation and that evidence gathered during the raids will be analysed before any further legal action is initiated. No official statement has yet indicated the number of arrests or seizures made during the operation.

The ED has intensified its scrutiny of financial transactions linked to organised crime, terror financing and illegal immigration in recent years, using provisions of the PMLA to investigate the alleged laundering of proceeds connected to scheduled offences.

Authorities said the investigation remains active, and further action will depend on the findings emerging from the documents, electronic records and financial data collected during the searches.