What Recent ED Searches Uncovered in the 'Donkey Route' Money Laundering Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate has launched extensive searches across seven locations in Punjab and Haryana related to a high-profile money laundering case. Seized items include forged emigration stamps and visa templates, painting a disturbing picture of an organized immigration racket. Discover the implications of these findings.
Key Takeaways
- ED's extensive searches at seven locations.
- Seizure of forged emigration stamps and visa templates.
- Investigation under PMLA and relevant immigration laws.
- Evidence of hawala channels being used.
- Middlemen's role in the donkey route scam exposed.
New Delhi, July 13 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed thorough searches at seven different sites in Punjab and Haryana, pertaining to the ongoing investigation into the money laundering case associated with the infamous ‘donkey route’. Numerous incriminating documents and materials were confiscated during these operations, including forged emigration stamps and visa templates from various foreign countries.
The ED agents conducted searches in Mansa, Kurukshetra, and Karnal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe into the alleged alteration of visa records of Indian citizens by an immigration racket.
During the investigations, it became evident that travel agents and intermediaries involved in the scam were accumulating both movable and immovable properties derived from illicit gains.
“During the searches, forged emigration stamps from various foreign nations, visa templates, various incriminating documents, records, and digital devices were recovered and confiscated,” stated the ED.
Evidence collected during the searches indicated that certain payments were funneled illegally through hawala networks.
The ED’s investigation revealed that the forged emigration stamps and visa templates of foreign countries were employed to manipulate the visa records of migrants aspiring to travel abroad. Many migrants resorted to perilous ‘donkey routes’ to emigrate and settle in foreign lands.
The fraudulent emigration stamps were utilized to create counterfeit visas, which were subsequently used for the journeys of the 'donkeys'.
The ED further commented, “During the searches, we explored the extensive network involving various intermediaries, travel agents, Indian nationals, and other foreign nationals. Primarily, these agents provided false promises to deportees about facilitating their travel through legitimate routes.
The agents were discovered to possess international mobile numbers and communicated with their foreign associates via WhatsApp and other encrypted messaging platforms.
This investigative agency launched the operation following multiple FIRs filed by the Punjab Police and Haryana Police under various clauses of BNS 2023 (previously IPC 1860) and the Immigration Act, 1983.
Point of View
I believe the ED's decisive actions reflect a commitment to cracking down on organized crime within our immigration system. The revelations surrounding the 'donkey route' case serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our borders and the urgent need for reforms. This story has significant implications for national security and the integrity of our immigration processes.
NationPress
13/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'donkey route'?
The 'donkey route' refers to perilous and illegal pathways that migrants take to travel abroad, often facilitated by unscrupulous agents.
What items were seized during the ED searches?
The ED seized forged emigration stamps, visa templates, incriminating documents, and digital devices during their extensive searches.
What laws are being used to prosecute those involved?
The investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and various sections of the Immigration Act, 1983.
How does the hawala system relate to this case?
Payments linked to the immigration scam were reportedly funneled through hawala channels, indicating illegal financial transactions.
What actions has the ED taken so far?
The ED has carried out searches and confiscated numerous items while investigating the extensive network of travel agents and middlemen involved in the scam.
