Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate executed searches on Friday at actor Dino Morea's premises, alongside various other locations across Maharashtra and Kerala. These actions are part of a money laundering investigation connected to the alleged "scam" related to the desilting of the Mithi river, according to official sources.
The reported fraud is purported to have resulted in a financial loss of Rs 65 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The ongoing raids target over 15 premises situated in Mumbai and Kochi, involving Morea, his brother, contractors, and other individuals, as indicated by the sources.
This investigation is undertaken under the framework of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources added.
The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) case involving certain BMC officials and other parties originates from an FIR lodged by the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW). This FIR was registered to investigate suspected irregularities in the Mithi river's desilting process, which reportedly incurred a Rs 65 crore loss to the BMC.
Dino Morea was subjected to questioning by the EOW in connection to this case a few days ago.
The EOW has filed a case against 13 individuals, comprising civic officials and contractors, accused of being implicated in the scam.
The Mithi river, which meanders through the city and eventually drains into the Arabian Sea, is at the core of these allegations. It is claimed that tenders for hiring specialized dredging equipment were manipulated to benefit specific suppliers.
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