Why Did ED Attach Three Properties Worth Rs 2.13 Crore?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Enforcement Directorate has attached properties valued at Rs 2.13 crore in connection with a money laundering case tied to cybercrime. The case involves shocking frauds totaling over Rs 100 crore. Read on to uncover the details of this ongoing investigation.
Key Takeaways
- The ED attached properties worth Rs 2.13 crore linked to a major money laundering investigation.
- Cybercrime cases involved are worth over Rs 100 crore.
- The accused used cryptocurrency to launder their illicit gains.
- Regulatory scrutiny was evaded through the use of 'Hawala Operators'.
- Several individuals have been arrested under the PMLA, 2002.
Surat, Nov 18 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached three immovable assets valued at Rs 2.13 crore as part of a money laundering investigation linked to various cybercrime incidents, including digital frauds, that involve over Rs 100 crore, according to an official announcement made on Tuesday.
The accused are believed to have transformed their illicit earnings from victims into cryptocurrency (USDT) by channeling the funds through numerous 'Hawala Operators', stated the ED.
The ED's Surat Sub-Zonal Office took action on Monday to attach properties belonging to Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor and his family members, the official revealed in a statement.
Previously, during the investigation, four individuals—including Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor, Kaashif Makbul Doctor, Mahesh Mafatlal Desai, and Om Rajendra Pandya—were apprehended under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 for various offenses associated with the legislation.
Based on inquiries conducted by the Special Operations Group of Surat Police, the ED commenced its investigation against Makbul Doctor and others under the provisions of PMLA, 2002.
In this case, Makbul Doctor, along with his sons Kaashif and Bassam and other accomplices, have been accused of defrauding unsuspecting individuals through multiple cyber scams, such as digital arrests and forex trading, while also threatening innocent people with fake notices purportedly from law enforcement agencies like the Supreme Court of India and the ED.
To facilitate the laundering of the Proceeds of Crime, they allegedly opened or arranged bank accounts under the names of employees, associates, or hired individuals to gather and accumulate these funds.
Moreover, for the management of these bank accounts, the accused procured pre-activated SIM cards using similar methods, the ED indicated in a statement.
During the money laundering investigation, the ED discovered that Makbul Doctor, Kaashif Makbul Doctor, and others had laundered the proceeds generated from criminal activities by converting them into cryptocurrency (USDT), routing funds through various 'Hawala Operators' to avoid regulatory scrutiny and facilitate money laundering.
Point of View
It’s crucial to highlight the alarming rise in cybercrime and money laundering in our society. This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in digital fraud and the importance of stringent regulatory measures. It is imperative for authorities to act decisively and protect citizens from such fraudulent activities.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED to attach these properties?
The properties were attached as part of an investigation into a money laundering case linked to various cybercrime activities, including scams totaling over Rs 100 crore.
Who are the main accused in this case?
The main accused include Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor, Kaashif Makbul Doctor, Mahesh Mafatlal Desai, and Om Rajendra Pandya.
What is the significance of the PMLA?
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is a key legislation in India aimed at combating money laundering and ensuring that the proceeds of crime are effectively addressed.
How were the funds laundered?
The funds were allegedly converted into cryptocurrency and routed through 'Hawala Operators' to evade regulatory scrutiny.
What cybercrimes were involved in this case?
The cybercrimes include digital arrests, forex trading scams, and sending fake notices from law enforcement agencies to threaten victims.
