New Delhi | The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out a major crackdown on an alleged illegal immigration racket operating through the so-called ‘Dunki route’, conducting simultaneous raids across Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. During the operation, the federal probe agency seized more than ₹4.62 crore in cash, over 300 kg of silver, and 6 kg of gold biscuits, indicating the scale of the money laundering network linked to unlawful overseas migration.
The searches were carried out on Thursday at over a dozen locations, including premises in Delhi, Jalandhar in Punjab and Panipat in Haryana. The action forms part of an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) into organised syndicates accused of illegally sending Indian nationals abroad, primarily to the United States.
Largest Recovery from Delhi-Based Travel Agent
According to ED officials, the most significant recovery was made from the premises of a Delhi-based travel agent, where ₹4.62 crore in unaccounted cash, 313 kg of silver, and 6 kg of gold biscuits were seized. Investigators also confiscated multiple mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices during the searches.
Preliminary analysis of the seized devices has reportedly revealed incriminating chats, financial records and communication trails related to illegal immigration deals and payments. Officials said the digital evidence is expected to play a crucial role in establishing money trails and identifying other members of the network.
Property Documents Used as ‘Commission Security’
ED officials further stated that raids conducted at the premises of a key accused in Haryana led to the recovery of documents, registers and records linked to the ‘Dunki’ business. Investigators allege that travel agents involved in the racket used to retain property papers of migrants as collateral, ensuring payment of hefty commissions charged for arranging illegal travel.
The agency claims that the syndicate operated through a structured system involving recruiters, agents, facilitators and overseas contacts, with proceeds routed through multiple channels to avoid detection.
What Is the ‘Dunki Route’?
The term ‘Dunki route’ refers to an illegal and highly dangerous migration pathway used by people attempting to enter foreign countries without valid travel documents or visas. Migrants are typically routed through multiple countries, including those in South America, before being pushed across borders through jungles, deserts and maritime routes.
According to the ED, victims were lured with promises of legal migration to the United States. However, after collecting large sums ranging from several lakhs to crores of rupees, the agents allegedly sent them through perilous and unlawful routes, exposing them to severe physical and psychological risks.
Probe Gained Momentum After Deportation of Indians from the US
The ED had first conducted raids in the Dunki route case in July this year. In a recent development prior to the current operation, the agency had also provisionally attached properties worth nearly ₹5 crore belonging to travel agents allegedly linked to the illegal network.
The investigation is based on multiple FIRs registered by Punjab and Haryana Police following an incident in February 2025, when the US government deported 330 Indian nationals to India using military cargo aircraft. The deportations triggered widespread scrutiny of illegal immigration rackets operating from northern India.
Allegations of Torture and Forced Labour
In a recent statement, the ED said that victims of the Dunki route were subjected to physical and mental torture throughout the journey. Many were allegedly coerced into paying additional money mid-route, while some were forced to perform illegal activities under threat.
The agency maintains that the operation was not an isolated scam but part of a well-organised transnational criminal network, with links extending across multiple Indian states and foreign jurisdictions.
Investigation Likely to Expand Further
Senior ED officials have indicated that the probe is still at an early stage. Further raids, attachment of additional assets and arrests are likely in the coming days. The agency is also examining hawala transactions, foreign remittances, shell entities and overseas facilitators associated with the racket.
What began as an investigation into illegal immigration has now unfolded into a broader exposure of human trafficking, organised crime and large-scale money laundering, with enforcement agencies maintaining close watch as the case continues to develop.
