In a massive development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out raids at 11 locations across Punjab and Haryana, including Amritsar, Sangrur, Patiala, Moga, Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Karnal. As per information received, the raids were carried out by ED's Jalandhar Zonal Office in a crackdown against international human trafficking networks, especially Donkey Routes.
As per reports, the ED raids are part of an ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) linked to the infamous ‘Donkey Route’ cases.
The investigation stems from 17 FIRs registered by police in Punjab and Haryana against travel/visa agents and middlemen accused of defrauding multiple individuals. These agents allegedly charged Rs 45–50 lakh per person under the false promise of legal travel to the U.S.
However, instead of using authorized immigration channels, the travel agents pushed migrants through hazardous jungle routes, often in collusion with international human traffickers, also known as "donkers." Many individuals and their families were coerced into paying more money once they were trapped in life-threatening foreign environments.
Reports further suggest that statements of several deported individuals have been recorded. Their testimonies have helped identify the names of suspects targeted in today’s raids. These agents allegedly operated with full knowledge of the dangers involved but continued to exploit vulnerable individuals desperate to migrate abroad.
The ED has also found financial trails and money laundering links connected to the illegal earnings from this human smuggling racket.