Government has stepped measures to unearth black money. Trade transactions by a number of export and import firms have come under the scanner following alleged money laundering and tax evasion.

Sources said, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials have found details of suspicious trade transactions by some of the firms. These firms were said to be based in major industrial hubs including Mumbai, Delhi, Surat and Ludhiana. They were found to be manipulating import and export invoices generating black money.

According to preliminary probe based on assessment of past two year trade transactions, a number of 'fly by night' exporters and importers have been found in routing of black money. These people only export or import goods once and then vanish.

Among the dubious transactions, over 100 are suspected trade dealings in Middle East, the US and the Britain. Sources said details of these exports will also be shared with the concerned authorities in those countries.

Economic intelligence agency officials have also found certain dubious consignments sent to India and most of which are lying unattended at various air and sea cargo stations. They are being examined.

Last month, the DRI had claimed to have busted over 1,000 crore Rupee hawala racket in Punjab involving certain international syndicates and Delhi-based businessmen.

An official said, there has been spurt in activity related to Trade Based Money Laundering . All field officials have been told to cross check export and import consignments in case of any suspicion.

According to a recent Finance Ministry report on black money, the international trade system is subject to a wide range of risks and vulnerabilities, which provide unscrupulous entities the opportunity to launder money.