Why in News?
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids in Punjab and Haryana related to illegal immigration via the “donkey route”, invoking the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Description:
What is the Donkey Route?
- Also known as “Dunki”, it’s an illegal migration pathway involving long, risky, and indirect travel routes to reach countries like the US, Canada, UK.
- Migrants often lack proper visas or financial resources, and rely on human traffickers.
- The term popularized due to Punjabi migrants undertaking perilous journeys, often through Central America or Europe, to reach the US.
Rise in Indian Illegal Immigration to the US:
- Pew data: Increased from 8,027 (2018–19) to 7.25 lakh (2022–23).
- India is the only non-Latin American country in the top 5 sources of illegal immigration to the US.
- The Indian undocumented population in the US rose by 70% since 2011.
Money Laundering & PMLA, 2002:
- Money Laundering: Concealing the origin of illegally obtained money through structured financial transactions.
- Common methods:
- Smurfing (Structuring)
- Trade-Based Laundering
- Use of Shell Companies
- Investment in Real Estate
PMLA Provisions:
- Defines money laundering: Concealment/acquisition of proceeds of crime as legitimate.
- ED empowered to investigate, raid, and attach assets.
- Financial Institutions must report suspicious transactions to FIU-IND.
- Special courts are set up for fast-track trials.
- Enhances cooperation with FATF and Interpol.
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