Gurugram's 'The Theka' Allegedly Operated ₹10 Crore Liquor Racket

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a comprehensive investigation into an alleged liquor syndicate operating out of Gurugram, known as 'The Theka'. This illicit operation reportedly sold over one lakh bottles of imported foreign liquor, generating proceeds exceeding ₹10 crore. The ED's inquiry follows extensive searches conducted at ten locations across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, and Punjab on November 3 and 4, 2026.

Owned by Ankush Goyal and his partners, 'The Theka' is a licensed liquor outlet that has come under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in a sophisticated scheme to bypass regulatory frameworks. According to the ED, the syndicate procured more than one lakh bottles of imported liquor between June and November 2025, selling them without paying the requisite taxes and duties.

During the two-day operation, ED officials seized ₹11 lakh in cash, along with documents and digital records that detail the illicit liquor purchases and sales. This evidence is crucial in tracing the money trail linked to the illegal activities of the syndicate.

The investigation revealed that the liquor was imported into India through government-recognized companies but was subsequently diverted using a bond-to-bond transfer mechanism. This system allows liquor to be transferred between states without the immediate payment of customs and excise duties, effectively creating a loophole for illegal sales.

The syndicate allegedly established separate companies in Haryana and Goa or Maharashtra, obtaining the necessary customs licenses and documentation to facilitate these transactions. After making payments to foreign liquor suppliers through banking channels, the imported stock was transferred to bonded warehouses in Haryana. However, the liquor was then sold through 'The Theka' without the required holograms and track-and-trace strips, which are essential for compliance with customs duties, VAT, and other taxes.

The ED's findings indicate that the syndicate devised this arrangement after obtaining a liquor license for the 2025-2027 period, aiming to maximize profits by selling imported liquor outside the prescribed regulatory framework. The agency noted that the illicit sales were conducted under the guise of legitimate stock, allowing the syndicate to earn profit margins of 20-25% on these transactions.

The investigation into 'The Theka' was prompted by an FIR registered following a complaint from excise officials. On December 9, 2025, authorities had previously recovered 3,921 cases and 176 loose bottles of imported foreign liquor from the outlet, all lacking the mandatory holograms and track-and-trace strips. This earlier seizure raised significant red flags regarding the outlet's operations.

In addition to the ED's investigation, the Haryana Police have registered another FIR against certain members of the alleged liquor syndicate for their suspected involvement in the sale of spurious liquor. This raises concerns about public safety, as the sale of unregulated and potentially harmful liquor can have dire consequences for consumers.

The ED's ongoing probe aims to uncover the full extent of the money laundering activities linked to the illegal liquor trade. The agency is focused on identifying the financial networks that facilitated these transactions and the individuals behind the syndicate.

The ED's investigation into 'The Theka' highlights a significant challenge in regulating the liquor industry in India, particularly concerning imported products. The agency's findings underscore the need for stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations to prevent such illicit activities in the future.

The ED's findings and the ongoing investigation into 'The Theka' serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in regulating the liquor trade in India. As authorities continue to probe the money trail and uncover the full scope of the syndicate's operations, the implications for public health and safety remain a pressing concern.