The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an enforcement officer and a head constable posted at the Enforcement Directorate’s Lucknow zonal office for allegedly soliciting and accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh. Investigators stated that the two officials had demanded the money from a complainant’s father in exchange for relief and favourable treatment in an ongoing money laundering probe. Following the receipt of the complaint, the federal agency registered a case, organised a trap operation across two cities, and took both men into custody.
Trap Laid in Delhi Following Summons
The matter originated after the complainant’s father received two separate summons from the Enforcement Directorate in August and September 2026. According to the complaint lodged with the CBI, head constable Manoj Dwivedi subsequently contacted the individual and sought an illegal gratification to extend assistance in the pending proceedings. The complainant reported the matter to the agency, which verified the demand before formally registering a First Information Report on October 23, 2026.
Coordinated Arrests Across Two Locations
Investigators laid a trap in Delhi on Friday, where Dwivedi had reportedly travelled to collect the ₹5 lakh bribe on behalf of enforcement officer Deepak Kumar. A CBI team caught the head constable while he was allegedly receiving the cash. Officials stated that Dwivedi then placed a phone call to Kumar to confirm the collection. Acting on this input, another team in Lucknow moved into the Enforcement Directorate’s zonal office and arrested Kumar around 3 pm.
Scope of the Ongoing Money Laundering Probe
The agency is examining the broader circumstances surrounding the transaction, including whether the officials acted independently or on external instructions. While the bribe was allegedly sought to dilute the money laundering inquiry, specific details regarding the case, the complainant’s father’s role in it, and the exact nature of the relief promised have not been disclosed. The CBI also issued an appeal urging citizens to report demands for illegal gratification to its Anti-Corruption Branch at the CGO Complex in New Delhi.
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