ED launches massive raids in search of hawala operators

KOLKATA: The Enforcement Directorate begins searches in 16 locations in eastern zone. The locations include six premises in Kolkata, two in Bhubaneswar, two in Paradip, four in north east.

The raids are being conducted to look for the hawala operators linked to the Middle East and Gulf nations. The agencies received tip off regarding the hawala operators, who were laundering black money in banned bills to the Middle East and Gulf countries.

More than 16 teams of the agency is in the locations till the last report came in.

While conducting searches, the sleuths stumbled upon a private clinic in Salt Lake that allegedly launders money through foreign nationals.

According to sources, the foreign currency included US dollars, euros, Sri Lankan rupee, Bangladeshi taka and UAE dirhams.