The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the multi-crore coal smuggling case in West Bengal, focusing on the hawala aspect involving the diversion of illicit proceeds overseas. Specific information suggests that part of the alleged scam’s proceeds was funneled to Bangladesh and Dubai through the hawala route.
Preliminary findings indicate that the diverted funds were invested in local businesses and real estate in these foreign locations. The operation was facilitated by intermediaries outside the formal financial system, with an estimated total of over Rs 2,700 crore circulated through unofficial channels.
Additionally, some local police officers and state forest department officials in the coal belts of West Bengal are reported to be part of this system. The ED had recently attached assets worth Rs 100.44 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with illegal coal mining activities.
Searches conducted by the ED in Kolkata and Delhi have helped trace the proceeds of crime to the attached properties. The total attachment in the case currently stands at Rs 322.71 crore. The ED’s actions have also sparked controversies, notably during raids at the Indian Political Action office and the residence of I-PAC co-founder Pratik Jain in Kolkata.
