ED Freezes 110 'Mule' Bank Accounts In Delhi Drug Trafficking Money Laundering Probe

The Enforcement Directorate has frozen 110 ‘mule’ bank accounts, seized ₹70 lakh in cash and found usage of Dubai-based cryptocurrency wallets during searches in a money laundering case linked to alleged drug trafficking in Delhi, according to PTI

According to PTI, the searches were conducted on 14 November after the agency took cognisance of a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) complaint from November 2024 involving the seizure of 82.53 kg of “high-grade” cocaine. The NCB had valued the consignment at about ₹900 crore and arrested five people.

The ED searched five locations across Delhi-NCR and Jaipur. Mule accounts, created using fake or misused customer identities, were allegedly being used to move illicit funds.

“The searches indicated an online betting and gambling network being operated through mobile-based applications,” the ED said, according to PTI.

The agency added that 110 mule accounts were frozen, including 73 linked to UPI IDs and digital wallets allegedly used for betting-related transactions. PTI reported that documents and electronic devices recovered during the operation suggested the use of Dubai-based crypto wallets to transfer funds.

Along with the frozen accounts, authorities seized ₹70 lakh in cash, “incriminating” documents, digital devices and financial records, the ED said.

(With inputs from PTI)