New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken major action in a money laundering case related to drug trafficking in Delhi, freezing 110 'mule' bank accounts and seizing approximately ₹70 lakh in cash. During the searches, the agency also found evidence of the use of Dubai-based cryptocurrency wallets. What are 'mule' accounts? These are bank accounts used to transfer illicit money. They are often opened by misusing genuine customer IDs or using fake identities. In which case was the action taken? The ED took this action based on a complaint from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) regarding the seizure of 82.53 kg of 'high-grade' cocaine in November 2024. The international value of this drug was estimated to be approximately Rs 900 crore. The NCB has already arrested five people in this case. Where were the raids conducted and what was found in the raids? On November 14, the ED conducted searches at five locations in Delhi-NCR and Jaipur. During the raids, 110 "mule" bank accounts were frozen (including 73 accounts linked to UPI and digital wallets), Rs 7 million in cash, several digital devices and documents, and evidence of money transfers through Dubai-based crypto wallets. Additionally, an online betting and gambling network operating through mobile apps was uncovered. Regarding this action, the Enforcement Directorate stated that these accounts and digital wallets were being used to conceal online betting transactions and the proceeds of drug trafficking.
