ED Raids 11 Locations in Probe of 'Donkey Route' Human Trafficking
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at 11 locations across Punjab and Haryana in a money-laundering investigation linked to the "Donkey Route" human trafficking case. The probe stems from police FIRs against agents who allegedly charged individuals ₹45-50 lakh for promised legal travel to the US but instead sent them via dangerous, illegal routes. The raids targeted suspects identified through the statements of victims who were deported from the US, as authorities crack down on these illicit networks.
Unpacked:
The "Donkey Route" refers to irregular migration pathways where individuals are smuggled through multiple countries, often facing perilous conditions. These journeys may involve illegal border crossings, hiding in trucks or containers, and traversing forests or deserts. The process exposes migrants to significant risks, including exploitation, inhumane conditions, and the possibility of detention or deportation.
Agents often operate as seemingly legitimate travel agencies, charging large sums for promised legal migration. They use networks of sub-agents and contacts abroad, provide forged documents or misinformation, and guide migrants through multi-country routes, such as starting with a visa to a Schengen country or Nicaragua, then smuggling them toward the US through risky border crossings.
Illegal migration via the Donkey Route is significant in Punjab, with reports indicating that more than 20,000 young people from the region attempt irregular migration each year. The actual numbers are hard to confirm due to the clandestine nature of these operations, but demand remains high, fueled by aspirations to settle abroad.
Agents implicated in these operations face criminal charges under laws such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. They may be arrested, prosecuted, and have their assets seized. Multiple FIRs have already been registered, and several agents have been arrested across Punjab and Haryana as authorities intensify crackdowns.