In mid-January 2026, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out large-scale raids across several states in connection with a fake government job scam linked to organised criminal syndicates. The ED is India’s main federal agency that investigates money laundering and serious financial crimes under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Between 14 and 15 January 2026, the ED’s Patna Zonal Office conducted searches at nearly 15 locations across six states, including Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. These raids were based on evidence collected from earlier police cases and financial records.

Investigators believe the scam involved several crores of rupees collected illegally from job aspirants across the country. Although the exact amount is still being calculated, officials said the money trail shows large-scale laundering through multiple bank accounts, shell entities, and digital wallets.

The scam targeted young people looking for secure government jobs. Fraudsters issued fake appointment letters claiming selection in departments such as railways, postal services, tax offices, and other public sector bodies. These letters used forged logos, fake seals, and email IDs that closely resembled official government domains.

Victims were asked to pay money for processing fees, document verification, or training charges. In some cases, scammers called candidates for fake joining formalities, gave fake employee IDs, and even paid small initial salaries to gain trust.

During the raids, ED officials seized forged documents, digital devices, bank records, and communication data. The ED will now attach illegal properties, freeze accounts, arrest key accused, and file charges under PMLA. Officials warned job seekers to verify recruitment only through official government websites.

Tags

• Enforcement Directorate
• ED raids
• fake government

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