ED Searches 14 Locations Across Maharashtra and Other States in NHAI Toll Fraud Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Lucknow Zonal Office, on Wednesday launched search operations across 14 premises in multiple states and regions, including Maharashtra, as part of a money laundering investigation into alleged fraudulent toll collection at various National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) toll plazas.
The searches were conducted under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Apart from Maharashtra, premises covered during the crackdown are located in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu, Madhya Pradesh, Kolkata, and the National Capital Region (NCR).
According to the central agency, the probe arises from FIR No. 17 registered on January 22, 2025, followed by an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) recorded on May 19, 2025.
The agency's investigation uncovered the alleged deployment of unauthorised software applications designed to generate fraudulent toll receipts. These tools were purportedly used to divert toll collections outside the official accounting system, causing illicit financial leakage.
The ED stated that forensic examinations and official records obtained from the NHAI have corroborated the use of such unauthorised software at several toll plazas.
During the search operations, investigative teams focused on gathering and seizing digital and documentary evidence related to the suspected fraud. The operation also aims to identify the individuals who allegedly benefited from the diverted funds and trace the illicit proceeds of crime generated through the scheme.
The Enforcement Directorate has not disclosed the specific addresses or the identities of the individuals whose premises were searched during Wednesday's operation. Further investigation into the matter remains underway.
