ED raids 16 premises across 5 states in terror-funding, infiltration crackdown
Synopsis
The ED has raided 16 locations across five states in a sprawling terror-funding and illegal-infiltration case that allegedly ran on forged identity documents, mule bank accounts, and misused charitable trusts. With ₹40 lakh in cash and 180 grams of gold seized, the probe — rooted in a 2023 UP ATS FIR — signals a sharper federal push to dismantle financial networks behind illegal immigration.
Key Takeaways
The ED searched 16 premises across West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana , and other states on 16 July .
The case originates from a UP ATS FIR dated 11 October 2023 targeting a syndicate facilitating illegal entry of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals .
The network allegedly used forged Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and passports to rehabilitate infiltrators across India.
Charitable trusts allegedly received foreign funds via FCRA routes ; money was routed through mule bank accounts in small tranches.
Seized assets include approximately ₹40 lakh in unaccounted cash, 180 grams of gold , digital devices, and financial records.
The ED confirmed further investigation is underway; arrests and PMLA attachments are possible next steps.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Thursday, 16 July conducted search operations at 16 premises spanning West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and other states, targeting an alleged syndicate involved in terror funding and the illegal infiltration of foreign nationals into India. The operations were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and coordinated by the agency's Lucknow Zonal Office.
Origin of the Case
The investigation traces back to an FIR registered on 11 October 2023 by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (UP ATS) against a network accused of facilitating the illegal entry of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into the country. According to investigators, the syndicate allegedly procured and distributed forged Indian identity documents — including Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and passports — to help infiltrators establish themselves across multiple states.
Financial Trail and Alleged Misuse of Charities
Investigators reportedly identified suspected involvement of certain charitable trusts and entities that allegedly received foreign contributions through FCRA routes. Funds were allegedly routed via mule bank accounts and cash withdrawals, transferred in small tranches to multiple beneficiaries to obscure the money trail. The network is accused of combining document forgery, human trafficking, and illegal settlement to sustain the operation over a considerable period.
What Was Seized
During Thursday's searches, the ED recovered unaccounted cash of approximately ₹40 lakh, gold weighing around 180 grams, incriminating documents, digital devices, and bank records. Statements of key individuals were recorded during the operation.
What the ED Said
The agency stated that further investigation is ongoing and that the operation is aimed at dismantling networks misusing financial channels and charitable organisations for illegal immigration and related activities. Officials believe the syndicate has exploited systemic loopholes over an extended period, posing a threat to internal security.
What Comes Next
With digital devices and financial records now in custody, investigators are expected to map the full extent of the funding network and identify additional beneficiaries. Arrests and asset attachment proceedings under PMLA could follow as the probe advances.
Point of View
Five states, a paper trail running through FCRA-registered charities — points to a syndicate that had embedded itself deep within legitimate financial structures. What makes this case notable is the alleged weaponisation of charitable trusts: if the FCRA angle holds up under judicial scrutiny, it could trigger a broader review of foreign-funded civil society entities. The UP ATS FIR is nearly two years old, raising questions about how long the financial network remained active after the initial police action. The ED's intervention under PMLA shifts the battlefield from criminal prosecution alone to asset recovery — a tactic that has historically proven more disruptive to organised networks than arrests alone.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ED's terror-funding and infiltration case about?
The ED is investigating an alleged syndicate that facilitated the illegal entry of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into India by providing forged identity documents and using misappropriated funds routed through mule accounts and charitable trusts. The probe is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
How many premises were raided and in which states?
The ED searched 16 premises across West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and other locations on 16 July. The operations were coordinated by the agency's Lucknow Zonal Office.
What was seized during the ED raids?
Investigators seized approximately ₹40 lakh in unaccounted cash, around 180 grams of gold, incriminating documents, digital devices, and bank records. Statements of key individuals were also recorded during the searches.
What is the role of charitable trusts in this case?
Investigators have identified suspected involvement of certain charitable trusts and entities that allegedly received foreign contributions through FCRA routes. These funds were reportedly diverted via mule bank accounts and transferred in small tranches to support infiltration activities.
What happens next in the investigation?
The ED has stated that further investigation is in progress. With digital devices and financial records in custody, investigators are expected to map the full funding network. Arrests and asset attachment proceedings under PMLA are possible as the probe advances.
