Lucknow: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recovered around ₹40 lakh in unaccounted cash and nearly 180 grams of gold during searches at 16 locations across West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and other places as part of a money laundering probe into an alleged terror funding and illegal infiltration network.The searches were carried out on July 16 by the ED’s Lucknow Zonal Office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, registered in 2024.The money laundering investigation stems from an FIR registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (UP ATS) on Oct 11, 2023, alleging the existence of an organised syndicate involved in facilitating the illegal infiltration of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into India. The FIR also alleged the preparation of forged identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, PAN cards and passports, and the subsequent rehabilitation of infiltrators in different parts of the country.According to the ED, the investigation uncovered a deep-rooted network allegedly involved in human trafficking, preparation of forged documents, illegal settlement of infiltrators and operation of bank accounts through fraudulent means.The agency further alleged that certain charitable trusts and entities received foreign contributions through FCRA channels and diverted the funds through a complex web of layered transactions, mule bank accounts and cash withdrawals to facilitate illegal infiltration and settlement activities.Investigators also found evidence suggesting that the network used multiple bank accounts to transfer funds in small tranches to numerous beneficiaries to avoid detection and assist them in establishing themselves in India.During the coordinated searches, ED officials seized approximately ₹40 lakh in cash, 180 grams of gold, besides several incriminating documents, digital devices, bank records and other material evidence. Statements of key persons connected to the case also were recorded during the operation.
