Money laundering case: ED conducts raids across Maharashtra, Gujarat against drug trafficker Salim Dola

MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 20 locations across Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar and Rajkot in connection with a transnational narcotics trafficking syndicate allegedly operated by Salim Ismail Dola, a close aide of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

The operation followed Dola’s extradition from Turkey last month and targeted suppliers of precursor chemicals, traffickers, hawala operators and benami property holders.





The PMLA investigation was initiated in the matter by the ED on the basis of multiple FIRs registered across Mumbai against Salim Dola and others for offences relating to illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Investigation conducted so far revealed the existence of a highly organised trans-national criminal network engaged in procurement of precursor chemicals, clandestine manufacture of Mephedrone (MD), interstate transportation and distribution of narcotic drugs, international trafficking of narcotic substances, collection and layering of proceeds of crime through hawala channels, and acquisition of movable and immovable assets in the names of associates and other persons.

During the ED search, extensive investigation was being done, covering the entire chain starting from manufacturing units (chemical factories), financial facilitators and persons involved thereon including accountants and CAs, the hawala operators facilitating money laundering and application of proceeds of crime in investment in purchase of property in Banami names in India and investment in properties abroad.