Dino Morea Smiles, Looks Unfazed As He Reaches ED Office In Rs 65 Crore Scam Probe
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Dino Morea appears before ED for questioning in ₹65 crore Mithi river scam. Actor seen smiling, unfazed. Watch video and get full details of the case.
Bollywood actor Dino Morea appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday morning in connection with a multi-crore money laundering probe related to the alleged ₹65.54 crore Mithi river desilting scam. The actor, whose name surfaced during the ED's expanding investigation, looked relaxed and composed as he walked into the agency's Mumbai office, drawing attention for his seemingly unfazed demeanor despite the gravity of the allegations.
Dino arrived at the ED's Ballard Estate office around 10:30 AM. Dressed in a crisp white shirt, jeans, and carrying a backpack, the actor greeted paparazzi with a confident smile. In videos now circulating online, he can be seen momentarily heading in the wrong direction before being gently redirected by photographers. The casual air stood in stark contrast to his last public appearance in May, where he had notably avoided cameras following reports of the ED's interest in his alleged financial dealings.
The ED's investigation is linked to irregularities in desilting tenders issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) between 2017 and 2023. The Mithi river, which runs through Mumbai, plays a critical role in stormwater drainage, especially during the monsoon season. The alleged scam revolves around inflated tenders and substandard work that ultimately endangered flood management in India's financial capital.
#WATCH | Mumbai: Bollywood actor Dino Morea arrives at the office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in MumbaiThe agency has summoned him in connection with the alleged Rs 65 crore Mithi river desilting case. pic.twitter.com/50z838Rv9D
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
On June 6, the federal agency conducted widespread raids across Mumbai, Kerala, and Kochi — covering more than 15 locations — including properties associated with Dino and his brother Santino Morea. Sources have also confirmed that the ED searched locations linked to BMC officials and contractors named in the FIR. These searches followed a May FIR filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police, which booked 13 individuals, including government officials and private contractors, for criminal conspiracy and fraud.
Reports suggest that Dino Morea and his brother were questioned by police earlier for their alleged links with accused Jai Joshi and middleman Ketan Kadam — two names central to the scam's financial chain. Authorities are currently probing whether the Moreas had any monetary gains or roles in facilitating tenders or laundering funds tied to the civic project.
This is not Dino's first encounter with financial scrutiny. In 2021, the ED had provisionally attached assets linked to the actor as part of its investigation into a separate money laundering case involving Sterling Biotech — a Gujarat-based pharmaceutical firm accused of massive bank fraud. While no direct charges were made against Dino at the time, his name surfaced due to business associations under the scanner.
Despite the increasing pressure, the 48-year-old actor has chosen to remain composed in public, even as speculation around his involvement grows. Known for his early 2000s roles in films like Raaz, Gunaah, and Aksar, Dino has in recent years stayed away from mainstream cinema, instead venturing into business and production.
Meanwhile, officials close to the investigation say more summons and questioning rounds are likely in the coming weeks, as financial trails are analyzed and digital records are examined.
First Published:
June 12, 2025, 13:55 IST
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