The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday intensified its crackdown on an illegal construction syndicate operating in the Vasai-Virar region of Maharashtra. As part of the second round of the investigation, the central agency carried out searches at 16 locations suspected to be connected to a network involved in unauthorised real estate developments and money laundering.
The action is part of an ongoing probe into a major illegal construction racket that allegedly involves builders, middlemen, and government officials. These individuals are suspected of facilitating the development of thousands of unauthorized buildings across Vasai-Virar—one of the fastest-growing urban regions in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
ED’s Focus: Money Trail and Benami Assets
According to sources within the ED, the raids were aimed at unearthing the financial nexus behind the syndicate. Investigators suspect that proceeds from the unauthorised construction business have been laundered through multiple shell companies and benami properties. Large cash transactions, manipulated land records, and violations of urban planning norms are key concerns being looked into.
Preliminary findings from earlier raids have already revealed major discrepancies in construction approvals and the possible involvement of officials from the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC). Documents seized indicated that several high-rise buildings had been built either without permissions or by violating Floor Space Index (FSI) rules.
Second Phase of Investigation
This is the second wave of enforcement activity in the case. In the first round of raids conducted earlier this year, the ED had seized property documents, electronic devices, and substantial evidence pointing to the operation of a parallel cash economy thriving on real estate exploitation.
The current raids covered locations linked to prominent builders and their associates, including architects, consultants, and suspected front companies. Officials said that digital records, financial ledgers, and land transaction files have been seized for forensic analysis.
Political, Administrative Angle Not Ruled Out
There is speculation that political and municipal links may surface as the probe advances. Activists and residents have long alleged that a powerful syndicate of builders enjoys tacit support from elected officials and civic staff, enabling rampant construction of unsafe and illegal structures. The ED is now examining whether bribes were paid in cash or through property investments to mask the paper trail.
Urban Safety and Public Backlash
The illegal construction boom in Vasai-Virar has raised serious questions about urban safety, with many buildings lacking fire exits, structural stability certifications, and basic civic amenities. There have been growing calls from citizen groups for a judicial probe into the mushrooming of unauthorized colonies and the collapse of governance in real estate monitoring.
What Lies Ahead
The ED’s actions are expected to widen in the coming weeks, with more arrests likely as forensic and financial data are analysed. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has asked the Urban Development Department to audit all high-rise constructions in the Vasai-Virar belt to assess safety compliance and take corrective measures.
The ED, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), is coordinating with other central and state agencies to track the flow of illicit funds and take action against those who may have laundered black money through the real estate sector.
As the investigation progresses, the spotlight remains on Vasai-Virar—a region fast turning into a symbol of unplanned urban growth and alleged systemic corruption.
