Actor Dino Morea arrested by Mumbai Police in Mithi river silt-cleaning scam case
Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing questioned the actor for about eight hours before detaining and arresting him at his home in the alleged Rs 65 crore case.
Bollywood actor Dino Morea has been arrested by Mumbai Police in connection with alleged irregularities in the desilting of the Mithi river in Mumbai. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police questioned him for about eight hours. He was then taken into custody from his home and arrested. He was taken to the Mumbai Police Commissionerate for further questioning.
Mumbai Police are investigating an alleged financial scam of about Rs 65 crore linked to the Mithi river desilting work. BMC officials, contractors and private individuals face allegations in the case. During the probe, the names of actor Dino Morea and his brother Santino Morea came up. Investigators had found that both were in repeated phone contact with the main accused, Ketan Kadam.
The Mithi river is important for the drainage of rainwater in Mumbai. The BMC used various machines to desilt the river. The investigation found that machines linked to Matprop Technical Services Private Limited, a Kochi-based company, were used for the work.
According to the EOW probe, irregularities took place in the desilting contracts, and the BMC is alleged to have suffered a loss of more than Rs 65 crore. Investigators allege that the tender conditions were framed to favour a particular type of machinery. It is also alleged that fake or inflated bills were used for the transport of silt.
Several people, including Ketan Kadam and Jay Joshi, are at the centre of the investigation. During the probe, Kadam's call records were examined. Police had said these showed several conversations with Dino Morea and his brother Santino. Investigators therefore sought to establish what exactly the two have to do with the case, whether any money changed hands, and whether they knew of these transactions.
The Mithi river probe is not limited to Mumbai Police. In June 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out raids at several locations in Mumbai, Kochi and Thrissur. The action included the Mumbai homes of Dino Morea and his brother Santino. The ED began an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) into the allegations of a loss of more than Rs 65 crore.
According to the ED, action was also taken during the probe in relation to cash, bank accounts and other financial assets. The agency had said that documents and digital devices linked to this were seized.
Investigators are now examining what exactly Dino Morea's role in the case is. His contact with Ketan Kadam, the alleged financial transactions and his ties with the other accused in the case are all part of the inquiry.
Morea's name had earlier also figured in connection with the Disha Salian case. However, the allegations and investigation in the Mithi river case are a separate matter. All eyes are now on what information emerges from further questioning and which direction the police investigation takes.
