In a major crackdown on alleged illegal mining-linked money laundering, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out sweeping search operations across Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Delhi, unearthing assets worth several crores. The raids, conducted on August 13 and 14, are part of an investigation centred on Karnataka Congress MLA Satish Krishna Sail and his alleged role in the unlawful export of iron ore.
According to ED officials, the searches led to the seizure of ₹1.68 crore in cash and 6.75 kg of gold, including both jewellery and bullion. Additionally, bank accounts holding ₹14.13 crore have been frozen. Officials also recovered several documents, emails, and digital records believed to reveal further details of the money-laundering network.
The ongoing probe is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and stems from a 2010 Karnataka Lokayukta investigation, which uncovered the illegal movement of nearly eight lakh tonnes of iron ore from Ballari to Belekeri port. The ore, originally seized by forest authorities, was allegedly smuggled out of the country, resulting in massive financial losses to the state.
