The Ahmedabad Zonal Office of the Directorate of Enforcement has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth ₹22.70 crore belonging to Abubakar Zakirali Saiyed and his family members/associates under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. These assets include seven land parcels, investments in mutual funds, and deposits in various bank accounts. This action has been taken in connection with the ‘Dahod Fake Government Offices Scam,’ which involved the creation of six fake government offices of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department in Dahod district.
The Ahmedabad Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate has provisionally seized movable and immovable properties worth ₹22.70 crore in connection with the Dahod fake government office scam under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The seized properties belong to Abubakar Zakirli Syed and his family members/associates.
The Enforcement Directorate initiated an investigation based on an FIR registered at the 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. It is alleged that the accused impersonated government officials, forged seals and signatures, prepared fake documents, and fraudulently obtained government grants.
The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation revealed that the accused colluded to obtain approvals for 121 fraudulent activities and fraudulently obtain government funds. These illegally obtained funds were routed through a complex network of bank accounts and subsequently used to purchase properties, make investments, and other purposes.
The attached properties include seven parcels of land, investments in mutual funds, and deposits in various bank accounts. The total value of these attached properties is ₹22.70 crore.
The investigation further revealed that the fraudulently obtained funds were initially deposited into nine 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 to the accused.
People are advised not to share their bank account, ATM card, cheque book, internet banking details, OTP or KYC documents with anyone in exchange for small payments, commissions or financial favours. Fraudsters often use such accounts as ‘mule accounts’ to launder ill-gotten gains from cyber fraud, financial scams and other illegal activities. Even if the account holder is not directly involved in the fraud, allowing others to use their account may result in legal action. Citizens should remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious requests to access their bank account or banking information.
Further investigation is underway.
