Overview

• The Enforcement Directorate arrested Ajad Mallik in Kolkata for preparing fake Indian passports, Aadhaar cards, and voter IDs for Bangladeshi nationals.
• Searches at seven locations in West Bengal uncovered ₹13.45 lakh in cash, incriminating documents, and digital devices linked to the operation.
• Mallik faces charges under the Foreigners Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act for residing illegally in India and laundering proceeds of crime.
• Investigators revealed Mallik operated multiple bank accounts and a proprietorship firm, Mallik Trading Corporation, to launder funds from 2018 to 2024.
• The ED alleges Mallik also engaged in hawala transactions and unauthorized currency exchange services, while frequently traveling to Bangladesh to visit his family.