13 July 2025

On July 11, 2025, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar, conducted searches at seven locations across Punjab and Haryana. These operations, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, are part of an ongoing investigation into a "Donkey Route Case" involving Indians deported from the USA in February 2025. The searches followed up on evidence gathered during a previous ED operation on July 9, 2025.

The ED initiated its investigation based on First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by Punjab and Haryana Police under the BNS 2023 (formerly IPC 1860) and the Immigration Act, 1983.

During the recent searches, authorities seized forged emigration stamps from various foreign countries, visa templates, incriminating documents, records, and digital devices. It was discovered that these forged materials were used to manipulate visas and records for migrants seeking to travel abroad via dangerous "donkey routes." The forged emigration stamps were specifically used to create fake visas for these illegal journeys.

Evidence suggests that those searched were involved in generating proceeds of crime through this illegal "Donkey Route" business, accumulating both movable and immovable properties from these illicit gains. Previous investigations had already revealed an extensive network of middlemen, travel agents, and Indian and foreign nationals. Some travel agents, despite having legitimate businesses, also engaged in these illegal practices, often operating clandestinely without proper signage. This network employed individuals residing abroad to facilitate the illegal movement of people without proper documents, often luring deportees with false promises of legal routes. These agents used international mobile numbers and encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp to communicate with their foreign counterparts, and incriminating evidence suggests illegal payments were routed through hawala channels.

Further investigation into this widespread scam is underway.