Ahmedabad, Aug 17 (IANS) The ED 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 Directorate of Enforcement (ED), 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/associates.
The attached assets include seven parcels of land, investments in mutual funds, and balances in various bank accounts, an official statement said.
The ED initiated the investigation based on an FIR registered by the Dahod Town ‘A’ Division Police Station, Gujarat.
The case relates to the creation of six fake government offices of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department in Dahod district. The accused allegedly impersonated government officials, forged seals and signatures, prepared fake documents and fraudulently obtained government grants, the ED said.
The ED investigation revealed that the accused, acting in conspiracy, obtained approval for 121 fake works and fraudulently received government funds amounting.
The illegally obtained funds were routed through a complex network of bank accounts and later used to acquire properties, make investments, and for other purposes, the ED said.
The investigation revealed that the fraud money was first deposited into 9 bank accounts opened in the names of fake government offices. From there, the funds were transferred through 18 intermediary accounts and subsequently distributed to 118 other accounts linked to individuals and entities connected with the accused, it said.
The ED cautioned the public not to share their bank accounts, ATM cards, cheque books, internet banking credentials, OTPs, or KYC documents with anyone in return for small payments, commissions, or financial benefits.
Fraudsters often use such accounts as mule accounts to route and layer Proceeds of Crime arising from cyber frauds, financial scams and other illegal activities, it said.
Even if an account holder is not directly involved in the fraud, allowing others to use their account can attract legal action. Citizens should stay vigilant and immediately report any suspicious request to use their bank account or banking credentials, the ED said.
–IANS
rch/dan
