How Are Shell Companies Involved in the Bengal Municipalities Job Scandal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ED is investigating shell companies linked to job scams.
- Raids have revealed substantial cash and assets.
- Intelligence gathering is crucial for the investigation.
- Transparency in government processes is essential.
- Public accountability must be prioritized.
Kolkata, Oct 30 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers investigating the multi-crore cash for municipalities job scandal in West Bengal are scrutinizing the role of shell companies suspected of diverting proceeds of crime.
The suspicion regarding the involvement of these shell companies emerged after investigators uncovered multiple invoices from a fraudulent construction firm during a raid at a cabinet member's office earlier this month, sources familiar with the situation revealed.
Upon visiting the premises of the construction company named Venkatesh Construction, which appeared on the invoices, the ED officers discovered it was closed. Inside the office, they found it completely vacant, raising concerns that it might be a shell company designed to siphon off proceeds from the municipalities job scandal.
Currently, the bank accounts associated with this entity are under the ED's examination. Concurrently, investigators are on the lookout for other similar shell companies that may have been employed to divert illicit funds in this municipality job scam.
On Wednesday, ED agents conducted a raid at a businessman’s residence in the Taratala area of Kolkata, seizing over Rs 1 crore and jewelry. This operation was part of the ongoing investigation into the corruption surrounding municipality hiring.
According to sources, the ED recently gathered intelligence regarding several companies implicated in the municipality recruitment scandal. Acting on this information, they executed raids at various locations, including Beliaghata on Tuesday.
On that day, investigators searched the home of a business family located at 75 Hemchandra Naskar Road in Beliaghata.