Did a Fraudster Pose as an ED Official to Extort Businessmen?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate has provisionally seized assets worth Rs 2.2 crore linked to Sheikh Jinnar Ali, who allegedly posed as an ED official to extort businessmen. Read on to discover the details of this audacious scheme and the ongoing judicial proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- ED's Actions: The Enforcement Directorate has seized properties worth Rs 2.2 crore linked to fraud.
- Impersonation Tactics: The accused posed as ED officials to extort money.
- PMLA Involvement: The case is being handled under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
- Public Awareness: Businesses must remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes.
- Judicial Proceedings: Jinnar Ali is currently in judicial custody following his arrest.
Kolkata, Sep 9 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) announced on Tuesday that officials from its Kolkata office have temporarily seized movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 2.2 crore connected to one Sheikh Jinnar Ali, who allegedly extorted businessmen while impersonating an ED official.
The confiscation was executed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The seized assets include 10 properties located in the East Bardhaman district of West Bengal, owned by Jinnar Ali, along with bank balances, as stated by the ED.
Additionally, the ED has filed a prosecution complaint against the accused in front of a specialized PMLA court in Kolkata during the last week of August.
According to a press release from the ED, the investigation commenced following an FIR lodged by the Bidhannagar South Police Station in Kolkata against Jinnar Ali and his accomplices.
"The accused individuals were part of a criminal conspiracy to extort funds from a businessman by masquerading as ED officers. They contacted various businessmen via phone, introducing themselves as ED officials. They even issued fake summons requiring the complainant to appear at the Police Commissionerate Office in Bidhannagar for a non-existent official inquiry," the statement revealed.
Upon meeting, Jinnar Ali and his associates questioned the businessmen about their activities and highlighted specific complaints against them, discussing various discrepancies in their financial records during meetings held near the Police Commissionerate office in Bidhannagar.
"To fabricate an appearance of credibility, the accused arrived in a Toyota Fortuner displaying an ED insignia. They warned that actions from both the ED and the CBI were imminent unless the complainant complied with their demands. Under persistent threats of office raids, asset confiscation, and arrest, the complainant was pressured into paying a total of Rs 1.30 crore in cash and Rs 20 lakh to a bank account specified by the accused," the statement added.
Ultimately, Jinnar Ali was arrested by the ED in July 2025 and is currently in judicial custody.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the persistent issue of impersonation and fraud within our business community. This case serves as a reminder for businesses to remain vigilant and verify identities before engaging in any transactions or discussions. We must support law enforcement in their efforts to protect our citizens from such fraudulent schemes.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions did the ED take against Sheikh Jinnar Ali?
The ED provisionally attached assets worth Rs 2.2 crore linked to Sheikh Jinnar Ali, who is accused of extorting businessmen while impersonating an ED official.
What law did the ED invoke for the seizure of assets?
The seizure was conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
What methods did the accused use to extort money?
The accused posed as ED officers, issued fake summons, and threatened businessmen with office raids and asset seizures unless they complied with their demands.
When was Jinnar Ali arrested?
Jinnar Ali was arrested by the ED in July 2025 and is currently in judicial custody.
What should businesses do to protect themselves from fraud?
Businesses should verify the identities of individuals claiming to be government officials and remain cautious about sharing financial information.
