ED, Ahmedabad Zonal Office, has provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs. 22.70 Crore in the form seven parcels of land, investments in mutual funds and balances lying in various bank accounts, belongs to Abubakar Jakirali Saiyad and his family members/associates under PMLA, 2002 in connection with the Dahod Fake Government Offices Scam, matter related to the creation of six fake government offices of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department in Dahod district.
Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ahmedabad Zonal Office, has provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs. 22.70 Crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in connection with the Dahod Fake Government Offices Scam. The attached properties belong to Abubakar Jakirali Saiyad and his family members/associates.
ED initiated investigation on the basis of FIR registered by 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.
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.
The attached assets include seven parcels of land, investments in mutual funds and balances lying in various bank accounts. The total value of the attached assets is Rs. 22.70 Crore.
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 public is advised 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. 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.
Further investigation is under progress.
Radhika Goyal is Author of Taxconcept Gurugram head office, for deeply reported tax, gst and income tax articles on issues that matter. He splits her time between New Delhi and Bengaluru, and has worked as a reporter, a podcaster and an editor for publications across India.