The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted raids at over 15 locations in Mumbai and Kochi in connection with the Mithi River desilting scam, including the residence of actor Dino Morea in Bandra.
The probe, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), is linked to a ₹65 crore loss allegedly caused to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) due to irregularities in the desilting, transportation, and dumping of sludge from the Mithi River between 2021 and 2023.
The searches targeted premises of contractors, middlemen, and civic officials, including Dino Morea and his brother, who were recently questioned by the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW). The EOW had filed an FIR naming 13 individuals, including BMC officials and contractors.
Officials allege manipulation of tenders for dredging equipment rentals to benefit certain suppliers.
This case is part of a broader investigation into ₹1,100 crore in expenditures on the Mithi river desilting project since 2005, considered crucial to Mumbai’s flood prevention infrastructure.
