NEW DELHI: The Monetary Motion Process Power’s (FATF’s) newest document has liked the efforts of Union house ministry’s on-line portal for Mutual Felony Help (MLA) to standardise world cooperation on cash laundering issues. The document additionally cited an investigation by means of ED right into a darknet-based Fentanyl syndicate in its ‘highest practices’ phase, emphasising the importance of joint investigations.The joint probe by means of ED and US’ division of justice (DOJ), it stated, had ended in the dismantling of a significant drug trafficking organisation which was once laundering proceeds thru digital belongings. Elaborating at the case, it stated that during 2022, DOJ had sought the help of the Indian executive underneath the Treaty on Mutual Felony Help in prison issues to analyze a significant drug trafficking organisation led by means of two brothers.The investigation, in keeping with FATF, published that the brothers managed over 8,500 bitcoins, valued at $150 million on the time, that have been used for cash laundering and to finance drug trafficking actions. The organisation hid those belongings and its actions thru complicated transactions involving cryptocurrency exchanges and darkish internet platforms.Responding to america’ request, ED had introduced a parallel investigation centered at the organisation’s monetary networks and acquired key monetary information uncovering transfers, thru a virtual fee provider supplier, exceeding Rs 5.5 crore to the entity. In April and Might 2024, searches ended in seizure of 268.2 bitcoins, price Rs 130 crore, that have been frozen, along side the provisional attachment of belongings price Rs 9.6 crore.“This situation is a sturdy instance of real-time, cross-border co-ordination between the government of India and america. US officers travelled to India to lend a hand within the investigation, together with right through interviews of the accused, contributing considerably to its growth,” the document stated.Moreover, house ministry has established a collection of standardised pointers for world co-operation which offer a transparent and structured framework for managing incoming and outgoing MLA requests, it famous. “Through setting up a predictable and legally compliant procedure, the web MLA portal has enhanced India’s capability to paintings with overseas international locations, lowering delays and miscommunication, whilst making sure well timed and efficient responses to requests for felony help,” it additional stated.