New Delhi: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Thursday carried out search operations at 16 premises across West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and other locations in a crackdown on an alleged terror-funding and illegal-infiltration racket.

The raids, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, were led by the agency’s Lucknow Zonal Office.

The case stems from an FIR registered by the Uttar Pradesh Anti‑Terrorist Squad (UP ATS) on October 11, 2023, against a syndicate accused of facilitating the illegal entry of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals into India.

The group allegedly provided forged Indian identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and passports, and helped rehabilitate infiltrators in different parts of the country.

Investigations revealed a network involved in document forgery, human trafficking, and illegal settlement of foreign nationals.

Authorities also identified suspected involvement of certain charitable trusts and entities that allegedly received foreign contributions through FCRA routes.

Funds were reportedly diverted via mule bank accounts and cash withdrawals to support infiltration activities, transferred in small tranches to multiple beneficiaries.

During the searches, the ED seized unaccounted cash amounting to approximately Rs 40 lakh, gold weighing around 180 grams, incriminating documents, digital devices, bank records, and other evidence.

Statements of key individuals were recorded.

The ED said further investigation is in progress, adding that the operation aims to dismantle networks misusing financial channels and charitable organisations for illegal immigration and related activities.

Officials believe the syndicate has been operating for a considerable period, exploiting loopholes to threaten internal security.