ED crushes Rohingya‑Bangladeshi infiltration ring; ₹40 lakh cash, gold coins seized
New Delhi, July 16: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted raids in several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and West Bengal, in connection with a money laundering case related to the illegal infiltration of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals and their rehabilitation through fake documents. During this, Rs 40 lakh in cash and gold coins weighing 180 grams were recovered from Harora Al-Jamiatul Islamia Darul Uloom in Kalikapur, West Bengal.
The ED said that no satisfactory answer was received from the person in charge of the premises regarding the whereabouts of this money and gold, following which it was seized under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED stated that digital devices, documents, and other incriminating material were seized during the raids, which are being investigated. Statements of the individuals involved are being recorded. The agency stated that this action was taken against an organized gang that facilitated illegal infiltration through the international border, created fake Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and passports, and used foreign funds to settle in India.
Preliminary investigations revealed that several public charitable trusts registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) were involved in this network. These trusts received funds from UK-based entities, which were then transferred to the suspects in small installments to help them settle permanently in India. This money was used for activities such as purchasing e-rickshaws, providing employment, and providing cash assistance.
According to the ED, one group operating in the border districts of West Bengal facilitated illegal infiltration, while another group prepared fake documents for these infiltrators. Through coordination between the two groups, illegal immigrants were transported to various parts of the country.
The key locations covered during the search operation include Kabirbagh Millat Academy in North 24 Parganas, Haroa Al-Jamiatul Islamia Darul Uloom, Tahiriya Welfare Trust, some residential premises in Batla House area of South Delhi, premises of several individuals and entities located in Faridabad, Deoband and various districts of West Bengal.
The ED said that the seized digital evidence and documents are being examined in detail and further investigation in the case is underway.
