ED Freezes Rs 3 Crore in Assets Linked to Myron Rodrigues' Money Laundering Scheme
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Panaji, Feb 27 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached immovable assets valued at Rs 3 crore in Goa as part of a significant money laundering investigation tied to purported fraudulent investment schemes led by Myron Rodrigues and others, according to an official announcement made on Friday.
This action was executed by the ED’s Panaji Zonal Office on February 18 under the authority of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The inquiry was prompted by FIRs filed by the Economic Offences Cell in North Goa and the MHB Colony Police Station in Mumbai under Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC, 1860.
The ED's investigation uncovered that Myron Rodrigues and his associates allegedly enticed numerous investors with guarantees of high and assured returns through investments in the stock market and other business initiatives.
Reports indicate that investors were encouraged to transfer significant amounts through RTGS, NEFT, and various banking methods, as per the ED's findings.
“The funds amassed were unlawfully retained and diverted for personal gain and the acquisition of various assets,” the agency stated.
The ED reported that its investigation under the PMLA has highlighted the generation of 'Proceeds of Crime' totaling approximately Rs 14.82 crore.
These proceeds were allegedly utilized to secure assets including bank deposits, fixed deposits, and immovable properties, which were subsequently presented as legitimate to obscure their illegal origins.
Previously, the ED issued a Provisional Attachment Order on November 25, 2024, seizing movable and immovable properties worth around Rs 2.98 crore in relation to the same case.
With the recent attachment of properties valued at Rs 3 crore, the cumulative worth of seized assets in this case has escalated to approximately Rs 5.98 crore.
The investigation remains ongoing.