In a significant crackdown on a major illegal immigration network, the Enforcement Directorate's Jalandhar Zone has provisionally attached assets valued at approximately Rs 5.41 crore belonging to three agents. This action is linked to a sprawling human trafficking racket that exploited the notorious 'dunky' route to smuggle people into the United States.
Agents and Their Modus Operandi
The attached properties, which include agricultural land, residential and business premises, and bank accounts, are held in the names of the accused agents—Shubham Sharma, Jagjit Singh, and Surmukh Singh—and their family members. All three hail from Haryana and were long-time operatives in the illicit network, according to ED officials.
Their method was systematic and predatory. The agents would target gullible individuals, primarily youths, with false promises of securing them legal entry into the US. For these fraudulent services, they charged exorbitant sums. However, instead of a legitimate pathway, the victims were funneled through dangerous and illegal routes across multiple South American nations. Their journey culminated in a forced, unlawful crossing of the US-Mexico border.
A Trail of Torture and Financial Crime
The ED's investigation paints a harrowing picture of the victims' ordeal. "During the journey, victims would face torture, extortion, coercion and even be made to commit illegal acts," the agency stated. The probe was initiated based on multiple FIRs registered by the Punjab and Haryana Police. These cases were filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Immigration Act, 1983, following the deportation of 330 Indian nationals from the US in February 2025 for alleged illegal entry.
The ED categorised the massive fees collected from the victims as proceeds of crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The recent attachment action targets properties derived from or equivalent to these illicit funds.
Searches and Ongoing Investigation
As part of the deepening probe, the ED conducted raids at 19 locations across Punjab and Haryana on July 9 and 11. These searches yielded a trove of incriminating evidence, including bogus immigration stamps, fake visa stamps, various records, and digital devices. This evidence has significantly strengthened the case against the accused.
The official confirmed that the trio played specific roles within the network, which included procuring air tickets and arranging visitors' visas for different countries to facilitate the multi-stage illegal journey. The investigation remains active, with the ED analysing more evidence and following financial trails. Further actions are likely as the probe continues to unravel the full extent of the trafficking syndicate.
