The agency also found that a portion of the laundered money was routed through shell entities, including Xoduz Solutions, Vicky Venkat Technology, and Vikrah Trading Enterprise. Funds were sent abroad through normal banking channels under the guise of importing software and digital goods, using fake invoices.

Earlier, the ED had arrested Daniel Shivakumar, 37, director of Xoduz Solutions, Jawahar Nagar, Chennai; Kathiravan Ravi, 42, director of Future Vision Media Solutions, Mudichur, Kancheepuram; Anto Paul Prakash, 32, proprietor of Global Exposition and Infomedia Solution, Alandur, Kancheepuram; and Allen Samuel, 29, director of Aprikiwi Solutions, Alandur, Kancheepuram.

According to ED officials, several Chinese loan apps in APK format are being circulated on social media platforms, where advertisements for easy loans lure people into installing the apps. Once installed, these apps gain control over sensitive mobile phone data.

The probe also revealed links between mule bank accounts and bogus gambling and investment apps, further exposing the scale of financial fraud facilitated through these illicit transactions.