19 July 2024

Dehradun, July 18, 2024 — The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in Dehradun has seized assets valued at approximately Rs. 9.67 Crore in a high-profile case involving the sale of illegal drugs. This action, taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is part of an ongoing investigation that targets the Singh DTO (Drug Trafficking Organization), an international drug trafficking network led by Banmeet Singh and Parvinder Singh.

The investigation began following a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) request from US authorities. The request was based on evidence of the Singh DTO’s involvement in cross-border drug trafficking operations that spanned the USA and the UK. The Singh brothers, operating under the alias "Liston," utilized dark web platforms such as Silk Road 1, Alpha Bay, and Hansa to facilitate their illegal drug trade. The criminal network received payments in cryptocurrency from drug sales conducted through these dark web markets. These funds were subsequently laundered into real currency through various bank accounts, demonstrating a sophisticated and global operation.

The ED’s investigation has led to significant breakthroughs. On April 26 and May 1, 2024, search operations at locations linked to the Singh brothers yielded substantial evidence. Following these operations, Parvinder Singh was arrested on April 27, 2024, and Banmeet Singh was taken into custody on July 29, 2024. During the custody period, the ED conducted a search in Haldwani that resulted in the recovery of 268 Bitcoins, with a current value exceeding Rs. 130 Crore. The Singh brothers are now held in judicial custody at Suddhowala Jail, Dehradun, as the ED continues to build its case under the PMLA. This case highlights the ED’s commitment to tackling international drug trafficking and money laundering.

The ongoing legal proceedings aim to seize assets gained through criminal activities and seek justice for these serious offenses. The ED remains engaged with international law enforcement agencies to address the global reach of the Singh DTO’s operations.