The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a significant crackdown on agents facilitating illegal immigration through the notorious 'Dunki' route. In a decisive move, the central agency has attached assets worth approximately Rs 1.5 crore belonging to a network of agents based in Jalandhar, Punjab.
Details of the Attached Properties and Accused
The action was taken under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The attached properties include both movable and immovable assets. According to the ED, these assets are linked to several individuals identified as key operators in the illegal human trafficking network.
The primary accused in the case are Gurucharan Singh, alias Raja, and his associates. The ED's investigation revealed that these agents were part of a sophisticated syndicate that illegally sent Indian nationals to countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom via the 'Dunki' method. This method typically involves entering a destination country on a tourist or visit visa and then overstaying illegally.
The attached assets, valued at Rs 1.5 crore, consist of:
- Residential and commercial properties in and around Jalandhar.
- Bank account balances and fixed deposits held in the names of the accused and their family members.
- Proceeds generated from their illicit human trafficking operations.
The Investigation and Modus Operandi
The ED's case stems from multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the Punjab Police. These police cases detailed how the accused agents charged exorbitant sums from aspiring migrants, often from the Doaba region of Punjab, with promises of securing them a better life abroad.
The agents' modus operandi involved fabricating travel documents, arranging fraudulent visas, and orchestrating complex travel itineraries through multiple countries to reach the final destination. The funds collected from vulnerable individuals were then layered and integrated into the formal financial system, constituting money laundering.
The ED's provisional attachment order is a critical step to deprive the accused of the benefits of their crime. By seizing the properties derived from the proceeds of crime, the agency aims to dismantle the financial infrastructure of these trafficking networks.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Crackdown
This action highlights the government's intensified focus on cracking down on illegal immigration rackets that exploit the dreams of young Indians. The 'Dunki' route has been a persistent problem, leading to numerous humanitarian crises and diplomatic issues when migrants are stranded or deported.
The ED's move sends a strong message to agents operating such illegal schemes across Punjab and other states. It underscores that not only will the human trafficking be prosecuted, but the financial gains amassed from this exploitative trade will also be systematically confiscated by law enforcement agencies.
The investigation is ongoing, and the ED has indicated that further actions and arrests are possible as they delve deeper into the international linkages of this syndicate. The agency is also coordinating with central and state intelligence units to identify and act against other players in this illegal ecosystem.
