Team Blitz India
THE Enforcement Directorate (ED) and US authorities carried out a joint search operation in Uttarakhand, with the objective of uncovering a massive Rs 3,000- crore scam linked to digital currencies.
This coordinated effort between the ED and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also resulted in the apprehension of an individual suspected of involvement in an international drug trafficking network.
According to a report published in The Economic Times, the ED had started its investigation last year in August. Recently, following up on information shared by the US authorities, ED nabbed two individuals involved in drug trafficking operation.
Two persons, Parvinder Singh and Banmeet Singh, were apprehended on April 27, in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. As per investigation, the group utilised dark web vendor marketplaces and online advertisements to facilitate drug sales. They purportedly established a network of distributors and distribution cells, with transactions predominantly executed through cryptocurrency payments, subsequently laundered through cryptocurrency wallets. The individuals reportedly operated under common aliases on various dark web platforms such as Silk Road 1, AlphaBay, and Hansa.
According to a separate report, the FBI seized digital currency assets worth Rs 1,500 crore. Moreover, the ED has recovered crucial documents pertaining to the case, which have been shared with the FBI. In addition, the agency also conducted a search operation at Parvinder’s residence in Haldwani for electronic devices like computers, tablets, or smartphones believed to have been utilised in the commission of the alleged crimes.
