ED Provisional Attachment of Rs 16.86 Lakh Linked to Digital Fraud in J&K
Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached Rs 16.86 lakh in Jammu & Kashmir, linked to a cyber fraud scheme that deceived innocent victims through digital arrests. The agency continues to probe financial crimes in the region.
Key Takeaways
The ED has provisionally attached Rs 16.86 lakh in a digital fraud case.
The funds are linked to M/s Jeevika Foundations and managed by the accused Gaurav Kumar.
The investigation began following a FIR registered by the Cyber Police.
Victims were misled and coerced into financial transfers.
The ED continues its efforts against financial crimes in the region.
Srinagar, March 23 (NationPress) - The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has announced the provisional attachment of Rs 16,86,465 as proceeds of crime linked to fraudulent activities involving the digital arrest scheme that targeted unsuspecting individuals.
According to a statement from the ED, the Srinagar Zonal Office has taken action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The attached funds are currently in a bank account associated with M/s Jeevika Foundations at HDFC Bank, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, which is managed by the suspect Gaurav Kumar, son of Jaipal Singh. Kumar is allegedly part of an organized cyber fraud network.
The investigation was triggered by FIR No. 26/2024, registered on 19.10.2024, by the Cyber Police Station in Kashmir Zone, along with a preliminary charge sheet submitted to the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate in Srinagar.
This cyber scam involved deceiving innocent victims by impersonating officials from law enforcement and regulatory bodies.
Investigators discovered that Kumar, along with accomplices Gurpreet Singh and Ujjwal Chauhan, orchestrated a well-conceived fraud scheme by posing as agents of agencies like TRAI and CBI.
The victims were misled into believing they were implicated in a money laundering case linked to national security and were threatened with arrest. Under duress and psychological pressure, they were forced to liquidate fixed deposits and transfer substantial sums of money.
In total, Rs. 21,00,000 was fraudulently obtained from the victims and funneled into the account of M/S Jeevika Foundations, which served as the main beneficiary.
So far, Rs. 4,13,535 has been refunded to one complainant following a court ruling on 28.09.2024. However, the remaining Rs. 16,86,465, traceable in the Jeevika account, is deemed proceeds of crime under the PMLA. Consequently, this amount has been provisionally attached in accordance with section 5(1) of the PMLA Act, 2002.
The ED is actively pursuing investigations into financial crimes where assets are generated through violations of laws and regulations.
Point of View
The recent actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate underline the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud. The agency's proactive measures aim to safeguard citizens from deceptive practices that exploit trust. As investigations unfold, it is crucial to maintain vigilance against such schemes that threaten the integrity of our financial systems.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the amount attached by the ED?
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached Rs 16,86,465 as proceeds of crime linked to a digital fraud case.
Who is involved in the cyber fraud?
The main accused include Gaurav Kumar, Gurpreet Singh, and Ujjwal Chauhan, who are suspected of orchestrating the digital arrest scam.
What legal provisions were invoked?
The attachment was made under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
How did the fraud scheme operate?
Victims were tricked into believing they were implicated in a money laundering case and coerced into transferring large sums of money.
Has any amount been refunded to the victims?
Yes, Rs 4,13,535 has already been refunded to one complainant following a court order.
