Ahmedabad, August 17: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets worth ₹22.70 crore in connection with a fake government office scam in Dahod, Gujarat.
The Ahmedabad zonal office of the ED reported that the assets were confiscated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and belong to Abubakar Zakirali Syed and his family members/associates.
According to an official statement, the seized assets include seven plots of land, investments in mutual funds, and funds deposited in various bank accounts.
The investigation was initiated based on an FIR registered at the Dahod Town ‘A’ Division Police Station.
This case involves the establishment of six fake government offices linked to the Irrigation and Water Resources Department in Dahod district. The ED stated that the accused impersonated government officials, created forged seals and signatures, prepared fake documents, and fraudulently obtained government grants.
The ED’s investigation revealed that the accused colluded to secure approvals for 121 fraudulent projects and illegally acquired government funds.
The agency noted that the illegally obtained funds were laundered through a complex network of bank accounts and later used for purchasing assets, making investments, and other activities.
The investigation found that the fraudulent money was initially deposited into nine bank accounts opened in the names of the fake government offices. From there, the funds were transferred through 18 intermediary accounts and subsequently distributed among 118 other accounts linked to the accused individuals and entities.
The ED has advised the public not to share their bank accounts, ATM cards, checkbooks, internet banking credentials, OTPs, or KYC documents with anyone in exchange for small payments, commissions, or financial benefits.
The agency emphasized that fraudsters often use such accounts as “mule accounts” to launder illegal proceeds from cyber fraud, financial scams, and other unlawful activities.
The ED warned that even if account holders are not directly involved in the fraud, they could face legal action for allowing others to use their accounts. Citizens should remain vigilant and report any suspicious requests regarding their bank accounts or banking credentials immediately.
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