Karnataka Congress MLA Satish Krishna Sail has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the illegal export of iron ore. The arrest comes after a long investigation into the unlawful transportation and export of iron ore that reportedly caused major financial losses to the state.

Sail, representing the Karwar constituency in Uttara Kannada district, was taken into custody on the night of September 9 after questioning at the ED’s Bengaluru office. He was presented before a special court, which granted him one-day custody. The ED is expected to request an extension of his custodial remand.

The case involves the illegal export of around 1.25 lakh metric tonnes of iron ore fines between April and June 2010. Authorities claim Sail, along with business entities and port officials, facilitated exports worth Rs 86.78 crore, even though the ore was under seizure orders by the Forest Department in Ankola.

During recent raids, the ED recovered Rs 1.41 crore in cash from Sail’s residence, Rs 27 lakh from the office of Sri Lal Mahal Ltd, and 6.75 kg of gold and bullion from his family bank locker. Bank accounts linked to the accused entities, including Shree Mallikarjun Shipping Pvt Ltd, holding approximately Rs 14.13 crore, were frozen.

Sail had previously been convicted in 2024 for illegal iron ore exports from Belekeri port and sentenced to seven years in prison. The current arrest reflects the ED’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and export activities in Karnataka.

This development further intensifies scrutiny on political figures in the state over alleged involvement in illegal mining and export operations.