New Delhi. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Tarun Khosla, an alleged key operator of a syndicate suspected of illegally facilitating the movement of Indians to the United States and other countries through the so-called ‘dunki route’. The arrest is part of an investigation into the deportation of more than 300 Indian nationals from the US in February 2025. The agency arrested Khosla on October 23 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Subsequently, a special PMLA court remanded him to ED custody until October 30. Investigators suspect that Khosla played a significant role in an organised network that allegedly routed people through South American countries before facilitating their onward journey towards the US.
The investigation has indicated that Khosla was in contact with local agents operating in Punjab and Haryana. These agents allegedly collected passports and substantial sums of money from young people seeking to travel abroad. The documents and money were then reportedly handed over to Khosla in Delhi. Investigators suspect that he arranged visas and air tickets for onward travel through countries such as Guyana, Suriname, Ecuador and El Salvador. From there, individuals were allegedly moved across multiple international borders and directed towards the US border through dangerous and difficult routes.
Lakhs of Rupees Allegedly Collected in the Name of Overseas Travel
According to the investigation, individuals were allegedly charged between ₹30 lakh and ₹60 lakh each on the promise of facilitating their entry into the United States. Agents are suspected of misleading prospective migrants by presenting the journey as a legitimate overseas travel arrangement, while allegedly directing them through risky routes involving dense forests, difficult terrain and multiple international borders. The network is also suspected of facilitating illegal entry into the US through Mexico.
The investigation gained momentum after the United States deported more than 300 Indian nationals in February 2025. Information obtained from the deportees helped investigators examine the routes allegedly used to send people abroad and the roles played by various agents. The inquiry reportedly uncovered indications of an organised network that arranged journeys through several countries before individuals reached the US border.
Three Major Routes Allegedly Used to Reach the US
Details emerging from the investigation indicate that different routes were allegedly used to facilitate entry into the United States.
Under the first route, individuals were flown to El Salvador and then transported by road through Mexico to Tijuana, from where they were allegedly directed towards the US border for illegal entry. The estimated cost of this route was between ₹35 lakh and ₹40 lakh per person.
The second route reportedly involved travel to Guyana via Dubai or Addis Ababa. From there, individuals allegedly travelled through Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and Panama before crossing other parts of Central America and proceeding towards Mexico and Tijuana. The estimated cost of this route was between ₹25 lakh and ₹30 lakh per person.
A third route, described by deported Indian nationals, reportedly began in Guyana and passed through Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico before reaching the US border. The long journey involved crossing multiple international borders, raising questions about the alleged coordination between agents operating in different countries.
Investigators are examining who arranged these journeys, how the international network functioned and how the various intermediaries allegedly coordinated the movement of people across borders.
ED Raided 19 Locations; Mobile Chats Under Scrutiny
The ED conducted searches at 19 locations on July 9 and July 11, 2025, in connection with the case. During these operations, investigators seized important documents and digital devices. According to the agency, chats recovered from a mobile phone seized from Khosla have provided significant leads regarding his alleged role in the network.
The messages reportedly include communications concerning immigration clearances and arrangements linked to international travel. Investigators are particularly examining references to ‘OK to Board’ (OTB) approvals to determine Khosla’s alleged role in facilitating travel formalities. Suspected coordination involving airlines and foreign immigration officials is also under scrutiny.
The ED is now investigating the number of agents allegedly involved in the network, the bank accounts through which the money collected from prospective migrants was routed, and the ultimate use of those funds. A key focus of the investigation is to trace the suspected proceeds of crime and identify the network’s international connections.
The agency is examining the seized digital evidence, financial transactions and the alleged roles of individuals associated with the operation. Further action in the case will depend on the evidence and findings that emerge as the investigation progresses.
