Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Aug 17: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 22.70 crore in connection with the Dahod Fake Government Offices Scam in Gujarat, an official said on Monday.
The ED's Ahmedabad Zonal Office said the properties, attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, belong to Abubakar Jakirali Saiyad and his family members and associates.
The attached assets include seven parcels of land, investments in mutual funds and balances held in various bank accounts, according to an official statement.
The ED launched its investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Dahod Town 'A' Division Police Station in Gujarat.
The case relates to the alleged creation of six fake government offices of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department in Dahod district. The accused allegedly impersonated government officials, forged official seals and signatures, prepared fraudulent documents and obtained government grants illegally, the ED said.
The agency's investigation revealed that the accused, allegedly acting in conspiracy, secured approval for 121 fake works and fraudulently obtained government funds.
According to the ED, the illegally obtained money was routed through a complex network of bank accounts before being used to acquire properties, make investments and for other purposes.
The investigation found that the alleged proceeds were initially deposited into nine bank accounts opened in the names of the fake government offices. The funds were subsequently transferred through 18 intermediary accounts and eventually distributed among 118 other accounts linked to individuals and entities associated with the accused, the agency said.
The ED also cautioned the public against sharing bank accounts, ATM cards, cheque books, internet banking credentials, OTPs or KYC documents with anyone in exchange for small payments, commissions or other financial benefits.
Fraudsters frequently use such accounts as mule accounts to route and layer proceeds of crime generated through cyber frauds, financial scams and other illegal activities, the agency said.
Even when an account holder is not directly involved in the underlying fraud, allowing others to use the account can result in legal action, the ED warned.
The agency urged citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious requests involving the use of their bank accounts or banking credentials.