The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Mumbai Zonal office recently conducted search operations in Mumbai under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The operation was carried out in connection with a case involving the sale of fake paintings. Several locations were searched, and during the proceedings, digital devices and incriminating documents were seized. The seized items shed light on the operations of a cartel involved in trading fake artwork and the production of fake authenticity and provenance certificates. The cartel also engaged in cash transactions and had connections with prominent art galleries and individuals. The investigation was initiated based on a complaint filed with the Tardeo Police Station, wherein it was alleged that individuals had conspired to defraud the complainant by selling fake paintings along with forged certificates. The search exposed the involvement of a prominent art gallery in South Mumbai, an ace corporate lawyer, and bullion traders. The cartel passed off fake artworks as genuine pieces, including those of renowned artists. The investigation also revealed a network of people claiming fake origins with royal kingdoms, antique art collectors, and small-time artists who created the fake replicas. They projected the replicas as authentic with the help of fake certificates. The investigation further uncovered a money trail, indicating that amounts received were sent to cartel members through domestic hawala channels in the form of commissions or discounted artwork. Cash generated from the sale of fake artworks was used to purchase antiques in collusion with bullion traders, which were then sold in auctions through reputed auction houses. The proceeds from these auctions were received in bank accounts. The investigation is currently ongoing, according to officials from the ED.