ED Seizes Rs 1.01 Crore and Luxury Cars in Major Human Trafficking Bust in West Bengal

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated raids across West Bengal on Friday as part of a money laundering investigation targeting an organized human trafficking and prostitution operation run through certain bars and restaurants.

Officials seized over Rs 1.01 crore in cash along with two luxury vehicles - a Land Rover Defender and a Jaguar - during searches at eight locations spanning Bidhannagar in North 24 Parganas district, Kolkata, and Siliguri. The operation was conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In addition to the cash and vehicles, authorities confiscated digital devices and various property documents. Investigators also identified multiple bank accounts allegedly used by the accused for handling illegal funds.

During their searches, ED officials discovered "plastic notes" being utilized as currency within dance bar premises for transactions related to trafficking and other illicit activities.

The money laundering investigation originated from multiple FIRs and chargesheets filed by state police against key suspects identified as Jagjit Singh, Ajmal Siddiqui, Bishnu Mundra, and their associates.

According to officials, the investigation revealed that the accused exploited vulnerable women by enticing them with false employment promises before forcing them into prostitution.

The illegal operations generated substantial cash proceeds that were subsequently laundered through multiple companies under the control of the accused individuals.

The FIRs against the suspects were registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act, and Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1986 - all of which fall within the scope of the PMLA, 2002.

Officials stated that investigations into the money trail and potential international connections of the trafficking network remain ongoing.