New Delhi, April 15 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday announced the provisional attachment of assets worth Rs.159.51 crore in connection with a massive illegal coal mining and pilferage operation in West Bengal.

The latest action targets a criminal syndicate led by Anup Majee, alias 'Lala', and brings the total value of seized assets in this case to Rs.482.22 crore.

The investigation highlights a sophisticated network involving fake tax invoices, a WhatsApp-based bribery system, and the alleged laundering of funds through prominent political consultancy firms and industrial groups.

The investigation has revealed that the illegal mining operations were carried out by a syndicate led by Anup Majee, also known as 'Lala'. Ce...