Enforcement Directorate on Provisional Attachment in Environmental Crime Case.

Headnote:

The Directorate of Enforcement provisionally attached immovable properties worth ₹79.93 crore belonging to M/s Malbros International Pvt. Ltd. in connection with a money laundering investigation arising out of serious environmental crimes. The attachment was made after the ED found that the company had generated proceeds of crime by persistently polluting groundwater through illegal discharge of untreated industrial effluents, causing large-scale ecological and public health damage.

Background:

• The ED provisionally attached land, building, and plant & machinery of M/s Malbros International Pvt. Ltd. under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002.

• The investigation was initiated on the basis of a criminal complaint filed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board for violations of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

• The company was accused of injecting untreated wastewater into deep aquifers through reverse boring, as well as discharging wastewater onto land, drains, and an adjoining sugar mill.

• The industrial unit of the company is located at Village Mansoorwal, Tehsil Zira, District Ferozepur, Punjab.

Findings of Investigation:

• ED found that the company deliberately and covertly injected untreated effluents into deep aquifers and repeatedly discharged wastewater into surrounding areas as part of its regular industrial operations.

• Such acts resulted in persistent groundwater and land pollution, leading to irreparable ecological damage.

• The pollution caused serious health hazards, crop loss, cattle deaths, and adverse health impacts on residents of nearby villages.

• The illegal activities were held to have resulted in generation and acquisition of proceeds of crime, attracting provisions of the PMLA.

Earlier Actions:

• Searches were conducted at six locations on 16 July 2024 under Section 17 of the PMLA, 2002.

• Cash amounting to ₹78.15 lakh was seized from the premises of M/s Malbros International Pvt. Ltd. and its directors.

Status of Investigation

• Further investigation in the matter is ongoing.

Legal Provisions Involved:

• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 – Provisional attachment of proceeds of crime; search and seizure (Sections 5 and 17).

• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 – Prohibition and control of water pollution; liability for environmental violations.

Citation: Press Release dated 15 December 2025

Case/Subject: Provisional Attachment of Properties of M/s Malbros International Pvt. Ltd.

Authority: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar Zonal Office

Date of Action: 13 December 2025

Statute Involved: Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)