ED Conducts Raids on Attica Gold Private Limited Across 16 Locations
The Enforcement Directorate raided Attica Gold Private Limited in Bengaluru and other cities, investigating allegations of gold theft and money laundering.
Bengaluru, September 25 (Daily Kiran) : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a significant operation against Attica Gold Private Limited, conducting raids at 16 locations across Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam, and other cities. This operation took place on Wednesday and Thursday under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The raids stemmed from allegations that Attica Gold and its shareholders were repeatedly involved in acquiring stolen gold items. Investigators are also examining claims that associates of the company, including PS Ayub alias Bomanahalli Babu, Obedulla A, and Mohammad Salman A, along with their family members, engaged in laundering substantial sums derived from criminal activities.
The inquiry was initiated based on multiple FIRs filed at various police stations and charge sheets submitted by police officials. These documents detailed accusations of the continuous purchasing, acquiring, and trading of stolen gold. Information gathered from these FIRs was corroborated by additional verifiable data collected by the Directorate regarding the suspects’ money laundering operations.
Key locations targeted in the raids included the homes of directors, former directors, and shareholders, as well as the main office and branches of Attica Gold Private Limited. Notably, primary suspects such as PS Ayub, Obedulla A, and Mohammad Salman A evaded capture during the searches, allegedly instructing staff at business premises to not cooperate with authorities.
The raids yielded significant findings, including foreign currency, gold jewelry, silver items, and cash amounting to ₹752,000.
