81 FAQs: ED Search, Investigation, Seizure, Arrest & Special Court Proceedings in India

In recent years, India has witnessed a surge in investigations and actions undertaken by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against various financial crimes. This comprehensive article delves into 81 frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning ED’s search, investigation, seizure, arrest, and court proceedings across different zones in India. Drawing insights from ED’s press releases, each case is meticulously analyzed to provide a deeper understanding of the ongoing legal battles against financial malpractices.

(A) ED Mumbai Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by homebuyers

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 31, 2024)

1. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has initiated investigation based on 2 FIRs filed by homebuyers with Taloja + Chembur Police Stations against accused Supreme Construction & Developer Pvt. Ltd. (SCDPL) represented by Tekchandani + others under several sections of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all).

(ii) Abovementioned 2 FIRs were filed for not delivering home + also not returning back money (both) to homebuyers .

2. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused SCDPL has collected INR 400 crore (approx) from several homebuyers for housing project which is publically known as Taloja at Navi Mumbai.

(ii) Further observed that Tekchandani was associated with properties of SCDPL with assistance from other accused persons despite he has already exited from ownership (shareholding) + also company’s directorship (both).

(iii) Further observed that accused persons were transferring company’s receipts into associate entity’s account through siphoning off funds.

(iv) Further observed that funds received from homebuyers were laundered by accused persons for personal gains + also for assets’ creation in several names including their family members (both).

3. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

(i) ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has issued Provisional Attachment Order (PAO) against movable + also immovable (both) properties during search for INR 5 Crore (approx)

(ii) Also seized investments in shares + mutual funds + fixed deposits (all) for INR 43 Crore (approx)

4. Arrest by ED

• ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has arrested Lalit Tekchandani on March 18, 2024 during search.

5. Prosecution Complaint (PC) filed by ED before Special Court (PMLA) Mumbai

(i) ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has filed PC before Special Court (PMLA) Mumbai against Lalit Tekchandani + also 15 other persons (both) on May 15, 2024 under PMLA, 2002.

(ii) ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has taken cognizance against PC on May 29, 2024.

• Further investigation is under progress.

(B) ED Srinagar office’s proceedings against FIR filed by ACB Srinagar

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 30, 2024)

6. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Srinagar office has initiated investigation based on FIR filed by Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) Srinagar against accused Imran Baba, partner of Baba Enterprises + certain govt. officials of Chlorination Plants of PHED, Kashmir under several sections of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all).

(ii) Abovementioned FIR was filed for spare parts’ supply to Gaseous Chlorination Plants, PHED Kashmir at highly (exorbitant) price by abovementioned accused accordingly it’s caused huge loss to govt.

7. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Srinagar office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused has supplied spare parts @ 200% on actual price of spare parts with connivance of certain officials of PHED, Kashmir & generated Proceeds of Crime (PoC) for INR 56 Crore (approx).

(ii) Further observed abovementioned accused has utilized PoC for purchasing of immovable properties in his names + also his wife name Sageena Yaseen (both).

8. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

(i) ED’s Srinagar office has provisionally attached 7 immovable properties of Imran Baba + also Mrs. Sageena Yaseen (both) Partners of Baba Enterprises during search for INR 56 Crore (approx).

(ii) (a) Abovementioned immovable properties include 17 Marlas land at Khasra No. 1329 + 1330 + 1331 + 1332 + 1334 + 1335 = 6 Khasra at Khewat92 + also Khata No.182 in Mouja Barinambal, Srinagar (all).

(b) Also include 26 Marlas land at Hyderpora + Residential House at Hyderpora, Srinagar (both).

(C) ED Jalandhar office’s proceedings against FIR filed by Punjab Police

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 30, 2024)

9. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Jalandhar office has initiated investigation based on FIR filed by Punjab Police against accused Nasib Chand proprietor of Shri Ram Stone Crusher under several sections of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 + also covered under Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (both)

(ii) Abovementioned FIR was also filed for carrying illegal mining on ED’s already attached land in famous Bhola Drugs’ case

10. Search + seizure by ED

(i) ED’s Jalandhar office has conducted search on May 29, 2024 at 14 residential + commercial premises in several districts across state of Punjab like Rupnagar (Ropar) + Hoshiarpur + Mandi Gobindgarh (Fatehgarh Sahib) + also Una (Himanchal Pradesh) all.

(ii) ED’s Jalandhar office has seized several incriminating evidences + documents + mobile phones + laptops + also cash (all) during search for INR 06 Crore (approx).

11. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Jalandhar office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused was carrying aggressive illegal mining in other areas of Ropar district + also carrying illegal mining on ED’s already attached land in famous Bhola Drugs’ case.

(ii) Further observed that abovementioned accused has made several transfers with other persons / entities those were also involved in illegal mining.

(iii) Further observed that abovementioned other persons / entities were also covered under ED’s Jalandhar office search

• Further investigation is under progress.

(D) ED Kolkata Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by cheated persons

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 30, 2024)

12. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Kolkata Zonal office has initiated investigation based on 13 FIRs filed by West Bengal Police against accused Sahajhan Sekh + others for creating terror’s atmosphere through indulging in organized crimes like giving threats for injury + murder + attempt to murder + also extortion + etc. (all)

(ii) Abovementioned accused has grabbed general public’s land + obtained illegal monetary gains / benefits under several sections of IPC, 1860 + Arms Act, 1959 both are also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all).

13. Search + Seizure by ED

• ED’s Kolkata Zonal office has conducted searches & seized 3 cars like Thar + Scorpio– New + Mahindra Jeep belonging to SK Sahajhan + also his brother SK Alomgir (all) during search.

14. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Kolkata Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused had created criminal empire like land grabbing + illegal fish farming/trading + grabbing brick fields + contracts’ cartelization + illegal taxes/levies’ collection + commission on land deals + also etc. (all).

(ii) Further recorded statements of several persons including local farmers + tribals + fish merchants + agents + exporters + landowners + contractors + also etc (all).

15. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

(i) ED’s Kolkata Zonal office has issued 2 PAO on March 05, 2024 & May 16, 2024 for movable + immovable properties belongings to Sk Sahajhan + Sk Alomgir + Sekh Sumaia Hafizia Trust (represented by Sk Alomgir) + Abdul Alim Molla + Shib Prasad Hazra + also others (all).

(ii) Abovementioned PAO to include certain movable + immovable (both) properties for INR 08 crore (approx) out of total PoC for INR 261.41 crore (approx).

16. Arrest by ED

• Arrested 4 persons during search like:

(i) SK Sahajhan (himself)

(ii) SK Almogir (brother of SK Sahajhan)

(iii) Shib Prasad Hazra (associate to SK Sahajhan)

(iv) Didar Boksh Molla (associate to SK Sahajhan)

• Further investigation is under progress.

(E) ED Gurugram Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by investors

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 30, 2024)

17. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Gurugram Zonal office has initiated investigation based on several FIRs filed by investors against accused International Recreation and Amusement Ltd (IRAL) + its other associated concerns (both) under several sections of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002

(ii) Abovementioned FIRs were filed for cheating + also criminal conspiracy (both) by accused who had collected more than 400 Crore from 1500 investors (approx)

(iii) (a) Abovementioned FIRs were further filed for false promises of allotment of shops or space in Sector 29 + also 52-A (both) in Gurugram under affordable housing scheme

But

(b) Abovementioned accused have failed to deliver project + missed deadlines + also failed for making payment to investors against monthly assured return

18. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Gurugram Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused has siphoned off investors’ money + also parked money with associated persons / entities for personal gains.

(ii) Further observed that back dated agreement was executed between promoter directors and EOD (buying entity) to eliminate business advance transaction from IRAL’s balance sheet to enable directors to evade their responsibilities towards IRAL.

(iii) Further observed that IRAL’s directors / promoters have siphoned off investors’ fund with premeditated intent to park with other related entities + also to sell company at cheap valuations to get rid from 100% investors’ liabilities (both).

19. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

(i) ED Gurugram Zonal office has provisionally attached immovable properties during search for INR 18 Crore (approx) belonging to International Amusement Limited (IAL) IRAL’s holding company vide PAO dated May 28, 2024

(ii) (a) Abovementioned immovable properties were held in name of Entertainment City Limited (ECL) under unsold commercial space of 3,93,737.28 sq. ft. at Great India Place (GIP) Mall at Noida

(b) Also commercial space of 45,966 sq. ft. was held in name of Adventure Island Limited (AIL) Rohini at New Delhi

(c) Also leasehold rights on 218 acres land at village Daulatpur, Tehsil- Amer, Jaipur held in name of International Amusement and Infrastructure Limited (IAIL).

•  Further investigation is under progress.

(F) ED Delhi Zonal office’s proceedings against Prosecution Complaint (PC) by DRI

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 27, 2024)

20. Briefs for PC filed

(i) ED’s Delhi Zonal office has initiated investigation based on PC filed by DRI that undue export incentives were taken by accused Sanjan Kumar + associates persons / entities through taking export incentives based on over-priced invoices against exports for carpets + garments + fabrics + etc. to several countries like Saudi Arabia + Malaysia + South Africa + Afghanistan + also e (all) under Custom Act, 1962 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences

(ii) DRI has informed that undue export incentives has caused losses for INR 25 crore (approx) to Government of India (govt.).

21. Search + Seizure by ED

• ED’s Delhi Zonal office has conducted search at multiple locations on September 24, 2021 & several digital evidences were seized during search.

22. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Delhi Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that PoC were utilized by abovementioned accused for investments in several assets.

(ii) Further observed that abovementioned accused have devised elaborate schemes through multiple entities to ensure that Duty Draw Back (DDB) received from is not tracked back to them.

(iii) Further observed that abovementioned accused have transferred PoC’s to several dummy entities immediately after receiving DDB’s amount from govt.

(iv) Further observed that abovementioned accused have withdrawn PoC’s from bank account in cash & invested in several properties after multiple funds’ layering.

(v) Further observed that abovementioned accused have utilized PoC for real estate business + also flats’ construction (both).

(vi) Further observed that abovementioned accused have also sold flats in cash which were built by using PoC.

23. Provisional Attachment Orders (PAOs) passed by ED

• ED’s Delhi Zonal office has provisionally attached properties for INR 4.43 Crore (approx) through 2 PAO like dated October 13, 2021 + also August 10, 2022 (both).

24. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

• ED’s Delhi Zonal Office has provisionally attached several immovable properties during search like land + flats located at New Delhi for INR 11.20 Crore (approx) including abovementioned for INR 4.43 crore (approx) belonging to other entities/individuals where Sajjan Kumar has Beneficially Owner (BO).

25. Arrest by ED

• ED’s Delhi Zonal office has arrested Sajjan Kumar on Sept 25, 2021 during search.

26. PC filed by ED before Special Court (PMLA) New Delhi

(i) ED’s Delhi Zonal Office has filed PC against 5 accused before Special Court (PMLA) New Delhi on November 23, 2021.

(ii) Special court has taken cognizance on December 03, 2021.

• Further investigation is under progress.

(G) ED Bhubaneswar office’s proceedings against FIR filed by Vigilance branch

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 22, 2024)

27. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Bhubaneswar office has initiated investigation based on FIR filed by Vigilance branch Odisha with Bhubaneswar police against accused Anand Agarwal Director of Siddharth Sponge and Power Private Limited + others under several sections of IPC, 1860 + also Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 both are also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all).

(ii) Abovementioned accused were involved in causing loss for INR 21 Crore (approx) to govt.

(iii) Also abovementioned accused were engaged in illegal extraction for INR 35 Crore. (approx).

(iv) ED’s Bhubaneswar office has conducted search on related premises in 2023.

28. Investigation by ED

• ED’s Bhubaneswar office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused were involved in illegal + also in excess iron ore’s mining (both) from Kasibeda mines, Mayurbhanj District, Odisha.

29. Arrest by ED

• ED’s Bhubaneswar office has arrested abovementioned accused on May 18, 2024 + also in Basant Kumar Das’ case (both) during search.

30. Produced accused by ED before Special Court (PMLA) Bhubaneswar

(i) ED’s Delhi Zonal Office has produced accused before Special Court (PMLA) Bhubaneswar on May 18, 2024

(ii) Special court has granted custody to ED up to May 22, 2024.

• Further investigation is under progress.

(H) ED Kochi Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by investors

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 22, 2024)

31. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Kochi Zonal office has initiated investigation based on several FIRs filed by investors with Kerala police against accused Ebin Varghese, Proprietor of Masters Finserv + others under several sections of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all).

(ii) Abovementioned accused were involved in cheating to

32. Search + Seizure by ED

• ED’s Kochi Zonal office has conducted search at 9 premises on October 30, 2023

33. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Kochi Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that several other FIRs were also registered by Kerala state

(ii) Further observed that abovementioned accused have cheated general public for INR 79 Crore (approx).

(iii) Further observed that abovementioned accused were dishonestly inducing several investors to make deposits thereafter to invest in his proprietorship firm Masters Finserv for generating profit through share trading with giving false assurance for high ROI on deposits like 18-24% per annum + also capital’s guarantee + option for Capital’s refund on demand (all).

(iv) Further observed that abovementioned accused has not repaid principal + also not paid any profit to investors (both).

(v) Further observed that abovementioned accused has made false representation to investors while accepting deposit that Masters Finserv had recognition from SEBI being authorized broker + also their investments secured (both).

(vi) Further observed that accused has diverted substantial portion to 3^rd parties for PoC’s layering.

(vii) Further observed that accused has not revealed 100% details against utilization for 100% amount received from investo

34. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

• ED’s Kochi Zonal office has provisionally attached movable + immovable (both) properties on Feb 06, 2024 during search for INR 30.41 Crore (approx).

35. Arrest by ED

• ED’s Kochi Zonal Office has arrested abovementioned accused on May 15, 2024 in Masters Finserv + also others (both) cases during search.

36. Produced accused by ED before Special Court (PMLA) Ernakulam

(i) ED’s Kochi Zonal Office has produced accused before Special Court (PMLA) (CBI-III), Ernakulam on May 16, 2024.

(ii) Special court has granted custody up to May 18, 2024.

• Further investigation is under progress.

(I) ED Mumbai Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by CBI, Delhi

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 22, 2024)

37. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has initiated investigation based on several FIRs filed by CBI with Mumbai Police against accused Tanaji Mandal Adhikari + others under several sections of IPC, 1860 + also Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 both are also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all).

(ii) Abovementioned accused were involved in causing loss to govt. through TDS refunds from Income Tax Department (ITD) for INR 263 Cro (approx).

38. Search + Seizure by ED

(i) ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has conducted search on May 19, 2024 at Purshottam Chavan’s residential premise where several property’s documents + foreign currencies + mobile phones were recovered + also seized (all) during search.

(ii) Further found that Purshottam Chavan has tried to hamper investigation through destroying evidences which were leading to PoC’s trackin

39. Investigation by ED

• ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused were in regular touch + shared incriminating messages for hawala transactions + also PoC’s diversions (all).

40. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

• ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has provisionally attached immovable + also movable (both) properties during search for INR 168 Crore (approx)

41. Arrest by ED

(i) ED’s Mumbai Zonal Office has arrested Purshottam Chavan on May 20, 2024 during search where he was involved in PoC’s part possession.

(ii) ED has already arrested 4 others accused persons on May 20, 2024 before arresting Purshottam Chavan like :

(a) Tanaji Mandal Adhikari

(b) Bhushan Patil

(c) Rajesh Shetty

(d) Rajesh Brijlal Batreja

42. PC filed by ED before Special Court (PMLA) Mumbai

(i) ED’s Mumbai Zonal office has filed PC on September 11, 2023 against Tanaji Mandal Adhikari + also 10 others (both)

(ii) Special court (PMLA) has taken cognizance.

• Further investigation is under progress.

(J) ED Gurugram Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by buyers

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 21, 2024)

43. Briefs for FIR filed

• ED’s Gurugram Zonal office has initiated investigation based on several FIRs filed by buyers with Gurugram + Panchkula + Ludhiana + Delhi + etc. police stations against accused IREO Pvt. Ltd. + associated entities + directors + Key Managerial Persons (KMPs) + others under several sections of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all).

44. Search + Seizure by ED

• ED’s Gurugram Zonal office has conducted search at several premises on November 22, 2021 + also June 01, 2023 (both)

45. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Gurugram Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused have cheated innocent buyers through promising to deliver flats + plots + commercial spaces + also etc. (all)

(ii) Further observed that abovementioned accused not delivered flats + plots + commercial spaces + etc + also not returned buyer’s money (all).

(iii) Further observed that directors of abovementioned accused siphoned off money collected from buyers through help from certain other persons

(iv) Further observed that directors of abovementioned accused not used money for intended purpose

But

(v) Also remitted outside India for shares’ buy-back + redemptions + FCDs + e (all)

(vi) Also provided loans and advances to associated entities / persons

(vii) Also given excessive incentives + advances (both) to KMPs.

(viii) Also diverted money to other companies

(ix) Also quantified PoC for INR 1780 Crore (approx).

46. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

(i) ED’s Gurugram Zonal office has provisionally attached properties of abovementioned accused like land parcels + also bank account (all) during search for INR 58.93 Crore (approx).

(ii) Also further provisionally attached properties for INR 3 Crore (approx) vide PAO dated October 14, 2022.

47. Arrest by ED

• ED’s Gurugram Zonal office has arrested KMPs like Lalit Goyal of IREO Group + Roop Bansal of M3M Group on November 16, 2021 + also June 08, 2023 (all) during search.

48. PC filed by ED before Special Court (PMLA) Panchkula

• ED’s Gurugram Zonal office has filed PC on January 14 2022 + also filed supplementary PC on August 04, 2023 (both) before Special Court (PMLA) Panchkula.
• Further investigation is under progress.

(K) ED Lucknow Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by investors

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 18, 2024)

49. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has initiated investigation based on 554 FIRs filed by investors with Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police against accused Rasheed Naseem + Shine City Group of Companies under several sections of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all)

(ii) Abovementioned accused have collected INR 800 to 1000 crore (approx) from public for high RoI

(iii) Abovementioned accused have cheated investors through committing fraud

50. Search + Seizure by ED

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has conducted search at 18 locations like Lucknow + Varanasi + Allahabad + Mumbai + also Delhi (all) on November 24, 2023.

(ii) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has seized several digital devices + also incriminating documents (both) during search for continuous involvement of certain persons in Money Laundering Offences (MLOs).

51. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused were taking help from agents for accepting money from investors

(ii) Further observed that abovementioned accused have transferred PoC to several other companies /

52. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

• ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has provisionally attached properties through PAO during search for INR 128 crore (approx)

53. Arrest by ED

• ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has arrested 4 accused persons during search like:

(i) Shashi Bala

(ii) Abhishek Singh

(iii) Durga Prasad

(iv) Udhaw Singh

54. PC filed by ED before Special Court (PMLA) Lucknow

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has filed PC before Special Court (PMLA) at Lucknow (UP) on January 23, 2024

(ii) Special Court (PMLA) at Lucknow (UP) has taken PC’s cognizance on May 17, 2024.

• Further investigation is under progress.

(L) ED Chandigarh Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by CBI, Chandigarh

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 18, 2024)

55. Briefs for FIR filed

• ED’s Chandigarh Zonal office has initiated investigation based on FIR filed by CBI against accused Manjeet Singh, Chief Manager, Bank of Baroda, Gohana Branch, Karnal under several sections of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (both).

56. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Chandigarh Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused has opened 16 Overdraft against Bank Own Deposits (ODBOD) accounts through attaching 3^rd party’s FDRs without obtaining permission from FDR’s holder.

(ii) Further observed that abovementioned accused has utilized ODBOD amounts for his personal use through remitting to his personal account 041501508496 held with ICICI Bank branch at Gohana Sonipat Haryana

(iii) Further observed that documents were not available with 2 Bank of Baroda’s branches like Gohana + Rohtak (both) for abovementioned 16 ODBOD’s accounts

(iv) Further observed that abovementioned accused had diverted money for his personal gains.

(v) Further observed that abovementioned accused has generated PoC for INR 57 Crore (approx).

(vi) Further observed that abovementioned accused has transferred proceeds for intraday trading in share market.

(vii) Further observed that abovementioned accused has held demat account with India Infoline Ltd.

(viii) Further observed that abovementioned accused has suffered loss in intraday trading for INR 18 crore (approx) from August 2019 to November 2020.

57. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

• ED’s Chandigarh Zonal office has provisionally attached agricultural land during search for INR 5.92 Lakh (approx).
• Further investigation is under progress.

(M) ED Lucknow Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR by Anti Terror Squad (ATS)

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 18, 2024)

58. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has initiated investigation based on FIR filed by Uttar Pradesh Anti Terror Squad (ATS) against 3 accused like Aftab Ali + Javed Iqbal Naviwala + Altaf Haneef under several sections of IPC, 1860 + Official Secrets Act, 1923 + Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 = 3 Acts are also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all)

(ii) Abovementioned 3 accused were involved for collecting prohibited + secret + strategically important information’s about India’s Army + transmitting to Pakistani Intelligence Agency publically known as ISI therefore damaging unity + also integrity of India (all).

(iii) Abovementioned accused Aftab Ali pleaded guilty thereafter was convicted by UP ATS’ Court vide its Order dated July 02, 2022.

59. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused Aftab Ali was engaged in anti-national activities like spying + passing information’s about India’s Army to Pakistan’s ISI agents

(ii) Further observed that abovementioned accused Aftab Ali has received remuneration in cash + also in his bank account (both).

(iii) Further observed that abovementioned accused Javed Iqbal Naviwala + Altaaf Haneef Qureshi (both) were involved in terror–financing through hawala transactions.

60. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has provisionally attached cash during search for INR 68 lakh (approx)

(ii) Abovementioned provisionally attached cash was also confirmed by ED’s Adjudicating Authority (AA).

61. PC filed by ED before Special Court (PMLA) Lucknow

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has filed PC before Special Court (PMLA) at Lucknow (UP) on October 27, 2023

(ii) Special Court (PMLA) at Lucknow (UP) has taken PC’s cognizance on May 13, 2024

• Further investigation is under progress.

(N) ED Bhubaneswar Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by CBI, Odisha

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 17, 2024)

62. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Bhubaneswar Zonal office has initiated investigation based on FIR filed by CBI against accused Saroj Kumar Das, Ex-Chief Mechanical Engineer of Paradip Port Trust + also others where accused entered into criminal conspiracy with officials of Orissa Stevedores Ltd (OSL) + others under several sections of IPC, 1860 + Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 both are also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all).

(ii) Abovementioned accused did not raised bill for damage of conveyer belts by OSL at Paradip port.

(iii) Abovementioned accused influenced to get relaxation in rules + to help OSL in extension of license of Harbour Mobile Crane (HMC) both.

(iv) Abovementioned accused has received bribe money directly or through his associates + also invested same in real estate (both).

63. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Bhubaneswar Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused was rendering undue favor to certain entities & repeatedly receiving illegal gratifications (bribes) for undue favors.

(ii) Further observed that abovementioned accused has deposited cash + also undertaken transactions directly or indirectly (both).

(iii) Further observed that abovementioned accused has acquired land for INR 25 Lakh (approx) in cash + also constructed duplex house on same land for INR 45 Lakh (approx) in cash till date (both).

(iv) Further observed that abovementioned accused has transferred for INR 55 Lakh (approx) to his associate Sree Rekha R from abovementioned illegal gratifications (bribes) received by him.

64. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

(i) ED’s Bhubaneswar Zonal office has provisionally attached immovable properties during search for INR 55 Lakh (approx).

(ii) Abovementioned attached immovable properties are to include followings:

(iii) Under construction duplex building for INR 70 Lac (approx) in Odisha

(iv) Residential house for INR 55 lac (approx) in Kerala belonging to his associate.

• Further investigation is under progress.

(O) ED Kochi Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by depositors

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 17, 2024)

65. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Kochi Zonal office has initiated investigation based on 18 FIRs filed by depositors with Kerala Police against accused Anil Kumar, Managing Director (MD) of PRD Mini Nidhi Ltd + David George, Manager of PRD Mini Nidhi Ltd + others under sections 420 of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all)

(ii) Abovementioned investigation was conducted against cheating to depositors for INR85 Crore (approx).

66. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Kochi Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that 122 cases have been registered in Koippuram + also Thiruvalla (both) Police Stations

(ii) Further observed that total defrauded amount was for INR 40 crore (approx).

(iii) Further observed that abovementioned accused have orchestrated frauds for collection of deposits from several depositors in cash + also through bank transfers (both) for higher RoI

(iv) Further observed that collected funds were utilized for personal gains like for investments in several personal properties + also businesses (both) therefore cheated poor depositors.

67. Arrested by ED

• ED’s Kochi Zonal office has arrested accused Anil Kumar + David George (both) on May 15, 2024 during search.

68. Produced accused by ED before Special Court (PMLA) Ernakulam

(i) ED’s Kochi Zonal office has produced accused before Special Court (PMLA) at Ernakulam on May 16, 2024

(ii) Special Court (PMLA) at Ernakulam has granted custody up to May 18, 2024

• Further investigation is under progress.

(P) ED Raipur office’s proceedings against PC filed by IT Investigation Wing

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 16, 2024)

69. Briefs for PC filed

(i) ED’s Raipur office has initiated investigation based on PC filed by Income Tax (IT) Investigation Wing, Raipur against accused Roshan Chandrakar under section 420 of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (both).

(ii) Abovementioned PC was filed that accused was office bearers of Chhattisgarh State Rice Millers Association + illegally associated with officers of Chhattisgarh State Marketing Federation Ltd (MARKFED) for misusing special incentives + also earning kickbacks (both).

(iii) Abovementioned accused was also rice miller based out of Kurud, district Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh.

(iv) Abovementioned accused was treasurer of State Rice Millers Association during Kharif Marketing Season for financial year ending on March 31, 2022.

(v) Abovementioned accused has organized system for collection of illegal kickbacks from rice millers.

(vi) Details for rice millers those have paid kickback were sent by district rice millers association to District Marketing Officer (DMO).

(vii) Abovementioned DMO has crossed checked details received from district rice millers association

(viii) Abovementioned details were passed to head office of MARKFED.

70. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Raipur office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused has started collecting kickback for INR 20 per quintal of paddy milled from rice millers

(ii) Further observed that district rice millers’ associations were used to collect illegal kickback amounts from rice millers & to deliver same to abovementioned accused or his persons (any).

(iii) Further observed that abovementioned accused has collected kickbacks INR 100 cores (approx) for increasing in special incentive from INR 40/- to INR 120/- per quintal.

71. Arrested by ED

• ED’s Raipur office has arrested abovementioned accused in Rice Milling Scam of Chhattisgarh on May 15, 2024 during search.
• Further investigation is under progress

(Q) ED Panaji Zonal office’s proceedings against FIRs filed by complainants

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 16, 2024)

72. Briefs for FIRs filed

(i) ED’s Panaji Zonal office has initiated investigation based on several FIRs filed by complainants with Goa Police against accused Rajkumar Maithi + Vikrant Shetty under section 420 of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all)

(ii) Abovementioned FIRs were filed for illegal land grabbing in Goa

(iii) Goa police has formed Special Investigation Team (SIT) for investigating 100% illegal land grabbing cases in Goa including cases where FIRs were not filed by complainants.

(iv) Abovementioned SIT (Land Grab) has investigated 41 land grabbing cases

73. Investigation by ED

• ED’s Panaji Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused persons were involved in creation of forged + fabricated documents in themselves’ names + their associates’ names + illegally acquired several properties + sold few properties + also generated PoC (all).

74. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

(i) ED’s Panaji Zonal office has provisionally attached 31 properties through PAO dated November 23, 2023 for INR 535 Crore (approx).

(ii) Also attached illegally acquired 100% properties including where FIRs were not filed by complainants with Goa Police.

75. Arrest by ED

• ED’s Panaji Zonal office has arrested abovementioned accused during search for their involvement in illegal land grabbing in Goa.

76. PC filed by ED before Special Court (PMLA) Mapusa

(i) ED’s Panaji Zonal office has filed PC against 36 persons before Special Court (PMLA) Mapusa, Goa on April 12, 2024 under PMLA, 2002.

(ii) Special Court has taken cognizance against PC on May 13, 2024

• Further investigation is under progress.
  

(R) ED Lucknow Zonal office’s proceedings against FIR filed by CBI + complainants

(Source for interpretation is ED’s Press Release dated May 16, 2024)

77. Briefs for FIR filed

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has initiated investigation based on several FIRs filed by CBI + complainants with Lucknow Police against accused Atiq Ahmad + others under several sections of IPC, 1860 which is also included in list of 29 scheduled offences under PMLA, 2002 (all).

(ii) Abovementioned FIRs were filed for criminal offences like murder + extortion + cheating + forgery + land grabbing + also other similar nature of crimes (all).

78. Search + Seizure by ED

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has searched 27 premises of Atiq Ahmad associates from April to June 2023 (3 months).

(ii) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has seized cash during search for INR 15 Crore (approx) + gold / jewelries for INR 6 Crore (approx) + also numerous other incriminating records (all).

79. Investigation by ED

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has started investigation during search & observed that abovementioned accused were investing their ill-gotten money for purchasing immovable properties.

(ii) Further observed that abovementioned immovable properties were registered in names of several other persons / benami holders to avoid detection by ’s agencies + also tax authorities (both).

80. Properties’ provisionally attachment by ED

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has attached movable + immovable (both) properties for INR 14 Crore (approx) through PAO dated December 13, 2021.

(ii) Abovementioned properties to include land situated at Tehsil Phulpur, Allahabad, registered in name of Shaista Parveen + bank balance for INR 28 Crore (approx) in 10 bank accounts of Atiq Ahmad + also 1 bank account of Shaista Parveen (all).

81. PC filed by ED before Special Court (PMLA) Lucknow

(i) ED’s Lucknow Zonal office has filed PC against Sahista Praveen in case of Atiq Ahmad + others (both) before Special Court (PMLA) Lucknow, UP under PMLA, 2002.

(ii) Special Court has taken cognizance against PC on May 14, 2024.

• Further investigation is under progress.

Conclusion

The Enforcement Directorate’s relentless pursuit of justice against financial crimes underscores its commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the interests of citizens. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, ED’s efforts serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against corruption and economic offenses plaguing the nation.

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(Author can be reached at email address satishagarwal307@yahoo.com or on Mobile No. 9811081957)

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