The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 13 locations across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. They seized ₹4.68 crore in cash, gold bars valued at ₹8.07 crore, and silver bars worth around ₹6.42 crore. The seized items included 5.9 kg of gold bars, 313 kg of silver bars, gold coins worth ₹2.7 lakh, several digital devices, and important documents. Over 50 original passports belonging to third parties were also seized. On December 15, the ED provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth ₹5.41 crore. These included agricultural land, residential and commercial buildings, and bank accounts. The investigation is linked to the "Donkey Route" case involving illegal immigration into the United States. It started after police in Punjab and Haryana filed multiple FIRs following the deportation of 330 Indian nationals by the US in February 2025. These people had entered the US illegally. The ED uncovered that a network of agents tricked people by promising legal entry to the US. They charged large sums for these false promises. The syndicate included travel agents, middlemen, "donkers" (human traffickers), overseas partners, hawala operators, and others who provided lodging and logistics. Victims were sent via risky routes through South American countries and then entered the US illegally through the Mexican border. Many faced torture, had to pay more money, and were forced into illegal activities during the journey.