The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has expanded its investigation into the alleged ‘Abhishek Tax’ or ‘Goonda Tax’ network linked to areca nut smuggling across Assam and West Bengal. The agency is examining a suspected syndicate involved in large-scale smuggling and money laundering.

Sources said the ED’s Guwahati Zonal Office is investigating an alleged international network spanning Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar. Smuggled consignments reportedly reach Assam and West Bengal before being transported to Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and other states.

The alleged network has been linked to claims of extortion from smugglers in West Bengal, with the proceeds reportedly channelled into money laundering. The allegations have not been established in court.

The investigation has expanded beyond recent searches at around 16 locations linked to Dhiraj Ghosh, Binoy Barman, Sandeep Baid, businessman Navratan Baid and others. Sources said the ED is collecting further evidence and examining the network’s financial transactions and logistics. The possibility of Dhiraj Ghosh’s arrest cannot be ruled out, though there is no official confirmation of any proposed arrest.

The ED has reportedly widened its probe to include several Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) officials. Investigators are examining their alleged roles and whether any officials helped move smuggled areca nut consignments. The agency has not formally disclosed their identities.

Investigators are also looking into the alleged use of forged invoices, fake e-way bills and fabricated transit documents to move consignments across state borders and evade customs duties and other taxes.

The case involves an alleged smuggling syndicate handling areca nut consignments worth approximately ₹1,500 crore. More than 11 cases have reportedly been registered in connection with the alleged smuggling operations and related financial network.

The investigation has traced the suspected movement of areca nuts from Myanmar into Mizoram, followed by transportation to West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states. Investigators suspect that some customs personnel and other officials colluded with the network by facilitating the use of forged documents.

The alleged ‘Abhishek Tax’ network became a political issue during the West Bengal election period. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and senior BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar reportedly questioned the alleged network and the role of the previous West Bengal government.