ED arrests banned Maoist outfit’s supremo Dinesh Gope in money laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (August 20, 2025) arrested Dinesh Gope, a self-styled supremo of a banned Maoist outfit, People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI), in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation.

The ED, in its official press note, said the arrest was made at the Palamu Central Jail, Jharkhand, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

Following his arrest, Gope was produced via video conferencing before the Special Court (PMLA), Ranchi, which remanded him in judicial custody for 14 days.

According to the federal agency, the ED initiated an investigation on the basis of several FIRs and chargesheets filed by the Jharkhand Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Gope and other members of the PLFI.

The ED further stated that the predicate offences include serious crimes such as murder, attempt to murder, extortion, and criminal activities, registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Forcible levy collection

The ED investigation revealed that Gope, in his capacity as the head of PLFI, was running an extensive and organised extortion racket.

“He was instrumental in the forcible collection of illegal ‘levy’ from various contractors, businessmen, coal traders, and transporters operating in Jharkhand and adjoining States, generating proceeds of crime (POC) estimated to be approximately ₹20 crore,” the ED stated.

It said the extorted money was then systematically laundered through a complex network of shell companies and firms.

As per the ED, these entities were established in the names of his two wives and close associates with the specific intent to conceal the illicit origin of the funds and project them as untainted.

‘Bought arms’

The investigation has further revealed that the laundered funds were utilised to finance the operational activities of the PLFI, procure sophisticated arms and ammunition, and acquire numerous movable and immovable properties.

Further investigation is in progress to trace the complete trail of the proceeds of crime and to identify other individuals and assets involved in the money laundering network.