ED took cognizance against NHAI toll fraud case, activates multiple searches

On Wednesday, the Enforcement Directorate has conducted searches in multiple states at the various NHAI Toll Plazas which as a part of money laundering linked to fraudulent toll collection, as per the official statement issued. Around 14 premises in state of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and West Bengal have been searched according to ED official statement.

The raids had been taken under process after ED took cognizance of two police FIRs mentioned under Prevention of Money Laundering Act. According to the officials, the alleged FIR has stated the use of unauthorized software applications for generating toll receipts and diversion of toll collections outside the official accounting mechanism.

As per the ED officials, forensic examination and National Highways Authority of India records have ensured the deployment of such software. Therefore, the searches focuses to recover digital and documentary evidence, identifying beneficiaries and tracing out the proceeds of crime and their functionaries.