Highlights
- Dino Morea has been questioned by Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing in the alleged Mithi River desilting scam.
- Investigators are examining alleged financial irregularities in contracts linked to the Mumbai river project.
- The probe involves an alleged loss of about $6.8 million to Mumbai’s civic body.
Actor Dino Morea has been questioned by Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in connection with the alleged Mithi River desilting scam in Mumbai.
According to reports, Morea was questioned for nearly eight hours at his Bandra residence on October 2. The case concerns alleged financial irregularities in contracts awarded for the desilting and rejuvenation of the Mithi River.
The EOW has alleged that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) suffered a loss of around $6.8 million in connection with the project.
Why is Dino Morea being questioned?
Morea’s name surfaced during the investigation after police examined phone records that allegedly showed contact between the actor and people connected to the case.
Morea and his brother, Santino Morea, had previously been questioned by the EOW in May 2025. Investigators also examined financial transactions involving Santino’s company, UBO Ridez Private Limited.
According to findings reported during the earlier investigation, around $18,700 was transferred to UBO Ridez in multiple transactions. The money was allegedly sent by Ketan Kadam, one of the key accused in the case.
Investigators have been examining the nature and purpose of those transactions as part of the wider probe.
What is the Mithi River desilting case?
The EOW’s investigation focuses on alleged irregularities in the way BMC awarded contracts for the desilting project.
Investigators have alleged that civic officials travelled to Kochi to procure specialised desilting equipment before tenders were issued with specifications that allegedly matched the machinery.
Police are also examining allegations that contractors were directed to intermediaries who rented out the equipment at inflated rates.
Kadam, who was arrested in 2025, is associated with Vodar India LLP, a company linked to the desilting contracts. Investigators noted that Vodar India LLP and UBO Ridez operated from the same address near Famous Studio in Worli, Mumbai.
ED also investigating alleged financial irregularities
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has separately been investigating the alleged financial irregularities. In 2025, the agency conducted searches at several locations in Mumbai and Kochi, including Morea’s residence and premises linked to BMC officials, contractors and intermediaries under investigation.
The EOW formed a Special Investigation Team in 2024 to investigate alleged irregularities in the river’s desilting work. Several people have been arrested in connection with the case, while investigators continue to examine the alleged financial transactions and civic contracts.
The allegations remain under investigation and have not been established in court.
