The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched over 15 places linked to the Mithi River desilting scam on Friday. Among these was actor Dino Morea’s home in Mumbai. His brother’s residence was also searched. The ED also targeted locations of contractors and middlemen involved in the case.

These searches happened under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials believe the fraud resulted in a ₹65 crore loss to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Dino Morea Questioned by Police

Earlier, the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) had questioned Dino Morea regarding this case. The EOW had already registered a case against 13 people. These included civic officials and contractors allegedly linked to the scam.

How the Scam Unfolded

The case began with an FIR from the EOW. It accused several BMC officials and others of wrongdoing during the desilting of the Mithi River.

According to officials, the accused planned the fraud between 2021 and 2023. They allegedly misused funds by mishandling the removal, transport, and dumping of river sludge. These irregularities reportedly led to major losses for BMC.

Manipulated Tenders and Equipment Rentals

Investigators believe the accused manipulated tender processes. They allegedly gave unfair advantages to certain suppliers when it came to renting specialised dredging equipment. This rigging caused losses and raised red flags over transparency.

Larger Investigation Underway

Moreover, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now looking into how BMC spent nearly ₹1,100 crore on the river desilting project between 2005 and 2021. The aim is to uncover any larger financial mismanagement.

Why the Mithi River Project Matters

The Mithi River runs through Mumbai and flows into the Arabian Sea. The project is vital for the city’s flood control. Because of its importance, the alleged scam has triggered strong concern over how public funds were handled.

Officials are now treating this as part of a bigger probe into misuse of money and corruption in one of Mumbai’s most critical infrastructure projects.