New Delhi [India], August 17 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday said it has attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 22.70 crore in connection with the alleged Dahod fake government offices scam.
The attached assets include seven parcels of land, investments in mutual funds and balances lying in various bank accounts.
ED initiated an investigation on the basis of a First Information Report (FIR) registered by Dahod Town 'A' Division Police Station in Gujarat. The case relates to the creation of six fake government offices of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department in Dahod district in Gujarat.
As per the agency, the accused allegedly impersonated government officials, forged seals and signatures, prepared fake documents and fraudulently obtained government grants.
ED's Ahmedabad zonal office attached these properties belong to Abubakar Jakirali Saiyad and his family members and associates under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
ED investigation revealed that the accused persons, 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 for acquiring properties, making investments and other purposes," said the ED in a statement.
"Investigation further 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."
The agency further advised the citizens not to share their bank accounts, ATM cards, cheque books, internet banking credentials, OTPs or KYC documents with any person in return for small payments, commissions or financial benefits.
It said the 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. "Even if an account holder is not directly involved in the fraud, allowing one's account to be used by others can attract legal action."
"Citizens should remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious request to use their bank account or banking credentials," it added.