ED Seizes Rs 5.41 Crore Assets in Illegal US Immigration Network Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached assets valued at approximately Rs 5.41 crore in relation to an illegal immigration scheme that transported individuals unlawfully to the United States via the dangerous "dunky" route. These attached assets are connected to agents Shubham Sharma, Jagjit Singh, and Surmukh Singh, who allegedly facilitated unauthorized migration in exchange for substantial financial compensation.

According to ED officials, the properties identified as criminal proceeds include agricultural lands, residential properties, commercial establishments, and bank accounts registered under the names of the accused agents and their family members. This attachment has been executed under the provisions outlined in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The money laundering investigation was launched following several FIRs registered by Punjab and Haryana police departments under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Immigration Act. These cases are connected to the deportation of 330 Indian nationals by American authorities in February 2025, after they were discovered to have entered the United States illegally.

ED investigations revealed that these agents deceived vulnerable individuals with promises of legal immigration to the United States. Victims were charged exorbitant fees but were subsequently routed through perilous and unauthorized pathways through multiple South American countries. They were ultimately forced to cross illegally into the United States via the US-Mexico border.

During their journey, migrants reportedly endured physical and psychological abuse, extortion, and coercion into participating in illegal activities. According to the agency, the accused generated significant criminal proceeds by exploiting the desperation of individuals seeking opportunities abroad.

On July 9 and 11, the ED executed searches across 19 locations, during which they recovered incriminating evidence including counterfeit immigration stamps, forged visa stamps, documentation, and digital devices. The investigation into this case continues to progress.