NEW DELHI, September 2, 2026 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday launched widespread search operations across multiple states in connection with a major money laundering investigation. The probe is centered around allegations of “fraudulent” toll collection practices at various National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) toll plazas.
The crackdown was initiated under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after the central agency took formal cognizance of two police First Information Reports (FIRs) regarding the alleged scam.
1.Widespread Search Operations:
According to official sources, the ED coordinated simultaneous raids at approximately 14 premises spread across the country. The states brought under the ambit of these searches include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and the Delhi-NCR region.
2.Modus Operandi of the Fraud:
The police FIRs forming the basis of the ED’s action allege the systematic use of unauthorized software applications to generate illicit toll receipts. This software was reportedly deployed to facilitate the “diversion” of massive toll collections completely outside the official accounting mechanisms of the NHAI.
3.Corroboration and Next Steps:
ED officials noted that initial forensic examinations, coupled with official NHAI records, have already corroborated the illegal deployment of such manipulation software at the plazas. The primary objective of Wednesday’s multi-state searches is to recover critical digital and documentary evidence, precisely identify the ultimate beneficiaries of the scam, and trace the extensive proceeds of the crime.
The investigation highlights growing concerns over digital vulnerabilities and revenue leakage in national infrastructure projects, with the ED expected to widen its net as more evidence is analyzed.
Published by True Roots Media Network