The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has submitted a charge sheet to the Special CBI Judge in Ernakulam, Kerala, accusing Jasminsha M. from the United Nurses Association (UNA) and seven others of money laundering. This action, carried out by the ED’s Kochi Zonal Office on March 16, is based on the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED’s investigation began following an FIR filed by the Thrissur Crime Branch Police Station against Jasminsha M., his wife, and several others, including Shoby Joseph, Bibin N. Paul, Nidhin Mohan, Jithu PD, Sujanapal AK, and Sudheep MV.
Investigations by the ED revealed that the accused allegedly conspired between 2017 and 2019 to divert association funds in violation of UNA bylaws. The diverted funds, amounting to nearly Rs 1.44 crore, were transferred to personal accounts using forged documents and then used for personal purposes. The ED had previously issued a Provisional Attachment Order on March 9, attaching immovable properties and fixed deposits worth approximately Rs 1.44 crore, including land parcels and bank fixed deposits in the names of the accused.
The ED stated that the misappropriated funds were moved through cash withdrawals, inter-account transfers, and deposits into personal bank accounts. These illicit proceeds were allegedly used for private expenses, such as paying EMIs for vehicles and an apartment. Additionally, fabricated committee meeting records were created to make the transactions appear as legitimate organizational expenses. All the accused individuals have been questioned under Section 50 of PMLA, and their statements have been recorded.
The ED intends to pursue prosecution and seek the final confiscation of the attached assets upon conviction. The agency emphasized its dedication to tracing and recovering proceeds of crime, especially in cases involving the misuse of funds from public welfare organizations.
