Enforcement Directorate Seizes Properties Worth Rs 35 Crore in Major Bank Fraud Investigation
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Hyderabad, March 13 (NationPress) - The Enforcement Directorate (ED) from the Hyderabad Zonal Office has provisionally seized two immovable assets worth Rs 35.05 crore linked to a bank fraud investigation involving BNR Infra and Leasing, Elite Infra Projects Pvt Ltd, and others.
The properties, which include a land parcel and a residential flat, have been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and belong to Beereddy Narasimha Reddy and Anil Beniprasad Aggarwal.
This investigation was initiated after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered two FIRs in Chennai and Hyderabad, citing various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The FIRs detail the fraudulent acquisition of credit facilities by BNR Infra and Leasing and Elite Infra Projects Pvt Ltd from the State Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra through the submission of forged documents, misrepresentation of collateral properties, and concealment of critical facts regarding disputed land titles.
The agency reported that this fraud led to a significant loss of approximately Rs 8.20 crore to SBI and Rs 26.86 crore to Bank of Maharashtra.
Investigations revealed that the promoters and directors of these companies, in collusion with associates, acquired bank loans by mortgaging properties that were either falsely represented agricultural lands or properties involved in disputes lacking clear titles. They submitted forged documents, including fake land conversion certificates and falsified ownership declarations, to secure these loans.
The ED also uncovered a fabricated agreement for construction activities between the accused and Comfort Securities Ltd, represented by Anil Beniprasad Agarwal, aimed at securing a Rs 1 crore bank guarantee from SBI. This bank guarantee was dishonestly invoked and cashed, despite the absence of any legitimate construction activities or contractual obligations.
This fraudulent act resulted in unjust loss to the bank while providing unearned benefits to the accused.
Further, the investigation indicated that a considerable portion of the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds was funneled through various associated companies and entities controlled by the accused, ultimately used for repaying unrelated debts, diverting funds to other companies, and acquiring assets.
The ED stated that the investigation is ongoing.