Stolen Biometrics, Fake Aadhaars, Hawala: ED Reveals How Massive Human Trafficking Syndicate Operated
Stolen Biometrics, Fake Aadhaars, Hawala: ED Reveals How Massive Human Trafficking Syndicate Operated Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 14:29 IST Investigators
Stolen Biometrics, Fake Aadhaars, Hawala: ED Reveals How Massive Human Trafficking Syndicate Operated Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 17, 2026, 14:29 IST Investigators allege that one of the primary objectives of the network was to create fake Indian identities for illegal Bangladeshi migrants Rapid Read The agency said the racket generated significant amounts of black money by trafficking illegal immigrants to major urban centres, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and parts of the Northeast. (Image: News18) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered what investigators describe as a sophisticated, multi-state human trafficking and identity fraud syndicate with alleged links to illegal immigration, hawala transactions, forged identity documents and foreign fund diversion. The agency carried out coordinated searches across West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra, seizing cash, gold, financial records and digital evidence that it believes expose a well-organised network operating across several states. According to the ED, the syndicate’s operations extended far beyond facilitating illegal border crossings. Investigators allege that one of the primary objectives of the network was to create fake Indian identities for illegal Bangladeshi migrants by fraudulently obtaining official documents such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, voter identity cards and even Madarsa identity certificates. These forged credentials were then allegedly used to establish migrants as Indian citizens, enabling them to settle in various parts of the country and, in some cases, obtain Indian passports for overseas travel. The agency said the racket generated significant amounts of black money by trafficking illegal immigrants to major urban centres, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and parts of the Northeast, while simultaneously running a financial ecosystem involving hawala transactions and fake bank accounts.
A key aspect of the alleged operation involved biometric identity theft. The ED claims accused Abdul Awwal, who worked as a Customer Service Point (CSP) operator for Fino Bank and also functioned as a point-of-sale agent for telecom operators Jio and Airtel, misused his official access to steal the biometric thumb impressions of poor and illiterate citizens. Investigators allege he collected these biometrics under the false pretext of helping people access government ration benefits before using them to open bank accounts without their knowledge. According to the probe, SIM cards linked to these accounts were activated on the very day they were opened, with customer acquisition forms allegedly carrying Abdul Awwal’s own photograph and the name of his shop, “MD Communication". The ED believes these accounts were subsequently used to move illicit funds through the banking system. Investigators have also alleged that foreign contributions received through FCRA-linked utility accounts of trusts, including those associated with Abu Saleh Mandal and entities such as the Sun Shine Health and Social Welfare Society, were diverted into these fake accounts in multiple transactions of around Rs 20,000 each before being withdrawn in cash on the same day to avoid regulatory scrutiny. The investigation has also uncovered alleged human trafficking operations. In one case cited by the ED, a Bangladeshi woman was reportedly smuggled across the India-Bangladesh border, provided with forged Aadhaar documents and later sold to an individual identified as Ibrahim Khan in exchange for cash.
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