ED Swoops Down on 'Donkey Route' Scam in Punjab, Haryana

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched extensive raids across 11 cities in Punjab and Haryana on Wednesday, targeting agents and middlemen linked to a money laundering probe in the ‘donkey route’ case. The operation focuses on illegal immigration rackets that facilitated the travel of Indian citizens to the U.S., many of whom were deported in February 2025.

Searches are underway in Amritsar, Sangrur, Patiala, Moga, Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Karnal, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case stems from 17 FIRs filed by Punjab and Haryana police against visa agents who defrauded aspiring migrants with promises of legal U.S. entry. The ED’s investigation, bolstered by statements from deportees, revealed a network charging ₹45-50 lakh per person, only to route them through perilous ‘donkey’ paths involving illegal border crossings.

These agents, allegedly in collusion with international ‘donkers’ and mafias, coerced victims into paying additional sums under threats, creating a cycle of exploitation. The raids follow earlier ED actions in February 2025, where firms like Red Leaf Immigration were targeted for forging documents, with ₹19 lakh in cash and incriminating evidence seized. Over 330 Indian immigrants, primarily from Punjab, were deported from the U.S. in four batches, highlighting the scale of the racket.

Also Read: Trade Unions' Strike: Puducherry Grinds to Halt as Trade Unions Strike

The ED aims to dismantle the financial networks fueling these operations, with sources indicating cryptocurrency and hawala transactions are under scrutiny. As the probe deepens, authorities are working to identify key conspirators and ensure justice for victims of this multi-crore scam.

Also Read: TATA AutoComp, Skoda Group Launch Multi-Million Euro JV for Railway Components in India