Massive ED Crackdown: 13 Locations Raided in Kolkata Money Laundering Case

Kolkata: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kolkata Zonal Office, has intensified its investigation into an alleged money laundering case by conducting extensive search operations across 13 locations in Kolkata and Murshidabad. The raids were carried out on May 22, 2026, as part of an ongoing probe involving Sona Pappu, former Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Santanu Sinha Biswas, Jay S. Kamdar, and several other individuals suspected of involvement in financial irregularities.

According to official sources, the coordinated search operation targeted multiple residential and business premises linked to the accused and their associates. The action resulted in the seizure of cash, gold jewellery, digital devices, and several incriminating documents that are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.

Multiple Premises Searched

The Enforcement Directorate carried out searches at properties connected to former police officer Santanu Sinha Biswas in Murshidabad, along with locations associated with Md. Ali, Ruhul Amin Ali Shah, Atul Kataria, and other individuals believed to be linked to the alleged laundering network.

Investigators scrutinized financial records, electronic data, investment documents, and property-related transactions during the operation. The searches were conducted simultaneously to prevent the destruction or concealment of evidence.

Officials stated that the operation forms part of a broader effort to trace the proceeds of crime and identify assets allegedly acquired through illicit financial activities.

Cash and Gold Recovered

During the raids, ED officials recovered cash amounting to approximately ₹17 lakh from various premises. In addition, gold jewellery and other valuables were also seized.

The agency is currently assessing the source of the recovered assets and examining whether they are linked to the alleged proceeds of crime under investigation.

Financial experts assisting the probe are expected to evaluate transaction trails and ownership records to determine the extent of the alleged money laundering activities.

Investment Links Under Scanner

One of the key findings of the search operation was the recovery of documents related to investments in high-value properties located in India as well as Dubai.

Investigators suspect that substantial funds may have been routed into real estate assets, a method often used to conceal or legitimize illegally acquired money. The seized documents reportedly contain details of property acquisitions, ownership structures, financial transactions, and investment arrangements.

The ED is now examining these records to establish whether the assets were purchased using proceeds generated through unlawful activities.

Digital Evidence Seized

Apart from cash and property documents, officials also seized several digital devices, including computers, mobile phones, storage devices, and electronic records.

These devices are expected to undergo forensic examination to recover emails, transaction details, communication records, and financial data that could provide further insights into the alleged laundering network.

Digital evidence has increasingly become a critical component of financial crime investigations, helping authorities trace money trails and uncover hidden links between accused individuals and business entities.

Former Police Officer Among Key Accused

The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of former DCP Santanu Sinha Biswas, who is among the individuals under investigation.

Authorities are examining the nature of his alleged role and connections with other accused persons named in the case. Investigators are also probing whether any influence, position, or network was used to facilitate financial transactions or conceal assets.

The ED has not disclosed the complete details of the allegations at this stage, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Focus on Tracing Proceeds of Crime

The Enforcement Directorate‘s primary objective remains the identification and tracing of proceeds of crime generated through the alleged illegal activities.

Officials are analyzing bank transactions, investment patterns, business dealings, and asset acquisitions linked to the accused persons. The agency is also coordinating with other regulatory and investigative bodies to gather additional evidence.

The investigation aims to determine the full extent of the alleged laundering operation, identify all beneficiaries, and recover assets that may have been acquired using illegally generated funds.

Investigation Continues

The ED has indicated that further examination of the seized documents and digital evidence is underway. Additional summons, questioning of suspects, and further investigative action may follow based on the findings.

Officials stated that the search operation has yielded significant evidence and that the investigation is progressing in multiple directions, including scrutiny of domestic and overseas investments.

The agency has reiterated its commitment to pursuing financial crimes and ensuring that individuals involved in laundering illicit funds are brought under the ambit of the law.

Further developments are expected as investigators analyze the seized material and continue tracing the alleged money trail connected to the case.