World · South & Central Asia · 1 day ago
India arrests two in alleged drug syndicate money-laundering probe
India’s Enforcement Directorate has arrested Pravin Shinde and Brijesh Moradiya in a money-laundering investigation linked to an alleged international drug network.
The agency says the network was operated by Salim Ismail Dola and his associates.
Investigators say the group procured chemicals, made mephedrone and moved drugs between Indian states and abroad.
They also allege that Shinde was involved in making the drug and that Moradiya arranged supplies of chemicals used in its production.
The agency says money from drug sales was routed through other people’s accounts and used to buy assets.
Earlier searches in Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar and Rajkot led to cash, foreign currency, gold and bank balances being seized or frozen.
Dola was brought to India from Türkiye in April after his arrest there under an Interpol notice issued at India’s request.
The investigation is ongoing, and the claims against the accused have not been established in court.
India’s Enforcement Directorate has arrested two men in a money-laundering investigation linked to an alleged transnational drug-trafficking network.
The agency identified the men as Pravin alias Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde and Brijesh Kanjibhai Moradiya.
The investigation concerns a network allegedly operated by international drug trafficker Salim Ismail Dola and associates.
The ED alleges Shinde was involved in making mephedrone and handling proceeds from its sale.
Moradiya is accused of arranging precursor chemicals and routing payments through accounts and entities linked to him and associates.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate arrested Pravin alias Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde and Brijesh Kanjibhai Moradiya.
- What
- They were arrested in a money-laundering investigation linked to an alleged transnational drug network.
- When
- The arrest date is not stated. The report was published on October 10, 2026.
- Where
- The ED’s Mumbai Zonal Office made the arrests. The location where the men were arrested is not stated.
- Why
- The agency alleges the men were involved in mephedrone production, precursor chemical procurement and handling proceeds linked to drug trafficking.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The accused have been identified as Pravin alias Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde and Brijesh Kanjibhai Moradiya
The syndicate was also allegedly involved in collecting and layering proceeds of crime through hawala channels and acquiring movable and immovable assets in the names of associates and other persons
An Interpol Red Notice was issued at India’s request for Salim Ismail Dola.
The ED searched 21 locations across Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar and Rajkot as part of the investigation.
The NCB brought Dola back to India from Turkiye, where he had been arrested.
The Hindu reported that the ED had arrested Shinde and Moradiya; the arrest date was not stated.
- Agency
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Arrested
- Pravin alias Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde and Brijesh Kanjibhai Moradiya
- Law
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
- Searches
- 21 locations across Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar and Rajkot
- Seized or frozen
- Cash, foreign currency, gold bars and bank balances valued at approximately ₹1.33 crore, besides ₹2,200
Sources
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