New Delhi, September 10, 2025 –
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested *Satish Krishna Sail, the sitting MLA from **Karwar Assembly constituency in Karnataka, in connection with a major money laundering case linked to *illegal iron ore exports worth ₹86.78 crore.
Officials confirmed that Sail was taken into custody by ED’s Bengaluru Zonal Office late Tuesday night after a marathon interrogation session. Sources said the legislator had been ignoring multiple summons before finally appearing for questioning earlier in the day. He will be produced before a special court today.
Background of the Case
The arrest comes nearly a month after the ED conducted search operations across multiple states including Karnataka, Goa, Mumbai, and New Delhi on *August 13 and 14. These searches were carried out under the *Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The case is rooted in a conviction order by a special court for MPs and MLAs in Bengaluru. The court had earlier found several individuals and companies guilty of illegally exporting iron ore fines through Shree Mallikarjun Shipping Pvt Ltd in collusion with Belekeri Port officials.
Allegations Against Satish Sail
According to the ED, Satish Sail colluded with business entities and port officials to export 1.25 lakh metric tonnes of iron ore fines between *April 19, 2010, and June 10, 2010. Crucially, these exports were carried out despite a *seizure order from the forest department in Ankola.
The total value of these illegal shipments has been estimated at ₹86.78 crore.
Raids and Seizures
During earlier search operations, the ED recovered:
- ₹1.41 crore in cash from Satish Sail’s residence
- ₹27 lakh in cash from the office of Sri Lal Mahal Ltd
- 6.75 kg of gold jewellery and bullion from Sail’s family bank locker
- Frozen bank accounts of accused entities, including Shree Mallikarjun Shipping Pvt Ltd and Ashapura Minechem Ltd, containing a total balance of ₹14.13 crore
Officials also seized a large set of incriminating documents, emails, and records that established links between Sail and the illegal transactions.
Wider Network Under Scanner
Apart from Sail, the ED investigation covers several companies including:
- Ashapura Minechem Ltd
- Shree Lal Mahal Ltd
- Swastik Steels (Hospet) Pvt Ltd
- ILC Industries Ltd
- Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Minerals Ltd
These firms were allegedly part of a larger nexus involved in the unlawful export operations.
Key Highlights
- Karwar MLA Satish Krishna Sail arrested by ED in money laundering case
- Linked to illegal export of iron ore fines worth ₹86.78 crore
- Allegedly colluded with Belekeri Port officials and private companies
- ED seized ₹1.68 crore cash, 6.75 kg gold, and froze ₹14.13 crore bank balances
- Arrest followed August raids in Karnataka, Goa, Mumbai, and New Delhi
- MLA to be produced in court today