December 5, 2024: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a series of high-profile raids on December 3, 2024, at 13 locations across Delhi, Gurgaon, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Nagpur. The raids were part of an ongoing money laundering investigation into the activities of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Sanjeev Hans and his associates.

The ED's investigation is centered around allegations that Hans, during his tenure in the Bihar government and while on central deputation, generated illicit funds through corrupt practices. The agency claims that Hans's associates, including a key individual named Gulab Yadav, played a pivotal role in laundering these illicit proceeds.

During the raids, the ED uncovered significant evidence, including shares worth Rs 60 crore in Demat accounts linked to the family members of a close associate of Hans, who is currently in judicial custody. The agency also discovered records of 70 bank accounts suspected to have been used for laundering and concealing illicit funds. Additionally, details of investments worth Rs 18 crore in real estate and cash transaction records were seized.

Among the confiscated items were Rs 60 crore in shares, foreign currency amounting to Rs 16 lakh, and Rs 23 lakh in cash. The ED also seized luxury assets, including gold jewellery valued at Rs 1.25 crore, silver bullion worth Rs 11 lakh, and several high-end watches. Earlier investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) had led to the seizure of significant cash amounts, jewellery, and other valuable items from properties linked to Hans and his network.

The ongoing investigation continues to uncover more evidence, with the ED intensifying its scrutiny of Hans and his associates involved in the alleged money laundering operations. Authorities are expected to take further action as they gather more information on the complex web of financial transactions.