Archive · 16 Dec 2025
ED Probes Money Laundering in Cough Syrup Scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a big scam where money from illegal cough syrup sales was used to buy fancy cars.
These cars have special number plates like 9777 and 1111.
The ED found that these cars were bought through fake companies and given to people involved in the scam.
They are also checking expensive houses and other items bought with this illegal money.
The ED has searched many places and found details about almost 189 fake companies used to hide the money.
They believe the cars were used to reward people and make the illegal money look legal.
If they find enough proof, more people might be charged with money laundering.
ED is investigating money laundering linked to the cough syrup scam through luxury car purchases.
Vehicles with distinctive number series like 9777 and 1111 are under scrutiny.
A construction company in Ayodhya is suspected of receiving and laundering funds.
ED has conducted raids at 25 locations across multiple cities, uncovering 189 suspected shell firms.
Luxury assets, including homes and high-end goods, are being valued for potential attachment.
- Who
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- What
- Investigation into money laundering via luxury cars in the cough syrup scam
- When
- Ongoing, with recent searches and raids
- Where
- Eastern Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Saharanpur, Ahmedabad, and Ranchi
- Why
- To uncover and trace the illegal proceeds from the cough syrup trade and their conversion into luxury assets
- Agency Involved
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Location of Investigation
- Eastern Uttar Pradesh, multiple cities
- Vehicles Under Scrutiny
- Toyota Fortuner and higher-end models with '9777' and '1111' number series
- Suspected Shell Company
- Ayodhya-based construction company
- Potential Charges
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
- Number of Raided Locations
- 25
- Suspected Shell Firms
- 189