The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 13 locations across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and West Bengal as part of a money laundering investigation.

The probe targets a syndicate allegedly using public charitable trusts under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to channel funds from UK-based entities.

These funds were reportedly used to facilitate the illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas into India, along with forging identity documents like Aadhaar cards and passports.

The ATS uncovered a financial network involving trusts and entities that received foreign contributions, diverting funds through multiple bank accounts to support illegal immigrants' economic rehabilitation.

The ED suspects networks in West Bengal's border districts aiding infiltration and others providing financial assistance like e-rickshaws or direct cash to help infiltrators settle.

The case stems from an FIR by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) accusing the syndicate of orchestrating illegal immigration and document forgery.Investigators believe funds were transferred in small tranches to aid settlement, enabling permanent establishment in India.The probe highlights the intersection of financial crimes and immigration issues, with the ED emphasizing the need to dismantle such networks.