<h1>ED raids Mumbai over Rs 65 crore money laundering in river desilting contracts from 2017-2023 under money laundering laws</h1> The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches in Mumbai linked to a money laundering investigation involving an alleged Rs 65 crore scam in river desilting contracts awarded between 2017 and 2023. The probe targets contractors and municipal officials accused of submitting false agreements and generating fraudulent bills related to sludge removal. The case originated from an FIR filed by the Economic Offences Wing against 13 individuals, including contractors and civic officials, for manipulating tenders to favor a specific machinery supplier. Previous raids involved questioning of certain contractors and municipal personnel. The desilting project was initiated after major floods in 2005 to improve stormwater drainage. The municipal corporation was under different political controls during the relevant period, with allegations that officials tailored contracts for illicit gain.