ED Conducts Multi-State Searches in NHAI Toll Fraud Money Laundering Case

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (September 2, 2026) carried out searches across multiple states as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged fraudulent toll collection at National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plazas, official sources said.

The searches, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), covered around 14 premises in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and West Bengal, according to officials.

The central agency took action after taking cognisance of two police FIRs that allege the use of unauthorised software applications for generating toll receipts and the diversion of toll collections outside the official accounting mechanism.

Officials said forensic examination and NHAI records have corroborated the deployment of such software at the toll plazas concerned. The searches are aimed at recovering digital and documentary evidence, identifying beneficiaries, and tracing the proceeds of crime.

The ED's investigation focuses on alleged money laundering arising from the diversion of funds that were meant for the NHAI, a statutory authority under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The agency is examining whether the diverted amounts were layered and integrated into the financial system to conceal their origin.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of toll collection practices across the country, with the NHAI having implemented electronic toll collection systems to improve transparency. However, the FIRs point to the use of parallel software to under-report revenue, thereby causing losses to the exchequer.

The ED has not named any individuals or companies as accused so far, and the investigation is at an early stage. Officials said further action will be based on the evidence gathered during the searches.

This is a developing story. More details will be shared as the investigation progresses.