The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out search operations at 13 enterprise and residential premises throughout Punjab, Haryana and Delhi in reference to a cash laundering probe linked to unlawful immigration by way of the so-called “donkey route,” officers stated.

The searches have been performed by the ED’s Jalandhar Zonal Workplace on December 18 as a part of an ongoing investigation right into a community allegedly concerned in illegally sending Indians overseas, significantly to america. The time period “donkey,” or “dunki” is usually used to explain the lengthy, arduous and unlawful journey undertaken by migrants to enter overseas nations.

The probe was initiated following a number of FIRs registered after round 330 Indian nationals have been deported from america in February 2025 aboard a army cargo plane.

In line with the ED, investigations revealed that the deported people had been despatched to the US by way of the ‘donkey’ route, aided by a fancy and layered community. This chain allegedly concerned journey brokers, middlemen, so-called donkers, abroad handlers, hawala operators and folks offering lodging and logistical assist at numerous phases of the journey.

Officers stated earlier search operations and proof collected through the investigation pointed to the involvement of second- and third-layer operatives within the unlawful immigration racket. These people and entities have been focused within the newest spherical of searches.

Amongst these searched have been Richi Travels in Jalandhar, Delhi-based Tarun Khosla, and Balwan Sharma of Panipat, officers confirmed.

The ED stated it’s inspecting their alleged function in facilitating unlawful migration and in producing and shifting the proceeds of crime linked to the operation.

The company has additionally just lately provisionally hooked up property value Rs 5.41 crore belonging to accused individuals, which it says have been acquired by way of cash earned by illegally sending people overseas by way of the ‘donkey’ route.

– Ends