‘Dunki’ Route Exposed: Agents Cheated Migrants, ED Attaches ₹5.41 Cr
Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar Zonal Office, has carried out search operations at
13 locations across states of Punjab, Haryana and New Delhi on 18.12.2025 and 19.12.2025 under the
provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in connection with a money laundering
investigation in ‘Dunkey Route Case’ related to illegal US immigration
During the course of search operations, cash amounting to Rs. 4.68 Crore, gold bars (5.9 Kg) worth Rs. 8.07 Crore (approx.), gold coins (20 gms) worth Rs. 2.7 Lakh and Silver bars (313 Kg) worth Rs. 6.42 Crore (approx.) alongwith several digital devices and various incriminating records/documents were found and seized. Further, during the course of search action, more than 50 original passports of third-parties were alsofound from various premises. The authorities are looking into this matter.
Illegal US Immigration : Punjab–Haryana FIRs Lead to ED Probe on US Deportations
ED initiated investigation based on various FIRs.Punjab Police and Haryana Police registered these cases under various sections of the BNS, 2023 (erstwhile IPC, 1860) and the Immigration Act, 1983. The investigation is related to the deportation of 330 Indian Nationals to India on military cargo planes in February 2025. The U.S. government took this action because 330 people entered the USA illegally.red USA illegally.
ED investigation revealed that various ‘agents’ and their associates cheated gullible
people. They lured them with the promise of legal entry to the USA. They charged hefty amounts for this.
A complex network of individuals, including travel agents, arranged and facilitated this operation.
middlemen, donkers, overseas associates, Hawala operators, lodging and other logistics arrangement
providers.
ED Cracks South America–Mexico Illegal Migration Network
However, subsequently they used to send people via dangerous routes through various
Traffickers moved people from South American countries and forced them to cross illegally into the USA through the US–Mexico border. Along the way, criminals tortured them, extorted more money, and coerced them into committing illegal acts. Such ‘agents’ and their associates generated Proceeds of Crime by cheating
various persons on false pretexts and obtaining large sums from them.
Earlier, investigators conducted searches at 19 locations on 09.07.2025 and 11.07.2025 in this case. These were under the provisions of PMLA. Incriminating documents and materials were found. They included a bogus immigration Stamp, bogus Visa stamp, records and digital devices. Further,
on 15.12.2025 ED had provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs. 5.41 Crore
(approx.) including agricultural land, residential premises, business premises and bank accounts
derived out/equivalent to the Proceeds of Crime generated by various agents who were involved in
sending persons to USA illegally through the ‘dunky’ route.
Further investigation is under progress.
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