What Led to the ED Raiding 25 Locations in a Major Money Laundering Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The ED seized Rs 2.04 crore in cash.
- Approximately Rs 15 crore was frozen in linked accounts.
- Raids occurred across 25 locations in multiple cities.
- The investigation is tied to the Nexa Evergreen fraud case.
- Initial returns to investors stopped abruptly in January 2023.
Jaipur, June 13 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated Rs 2.04 crore in cash, as well as significant incriminating documents and digital evidence, while also freezing around Rs 15 crore located in bank and crypto accounts related to various Nexa Group entities and their associates. This action was part of search operations conducted by the ED's Jaipur Zonal Office on Thursday at 25 locations across Jaipur, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Ahmedabad under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, as stated by an official.
According to reports, the raids are connected to a money laundering investigation regarding the Nexa Evergreen fraud case, where it is alleged that Rs 2,676 crore was amassed from numerous investors.
It was revealed that the ED initiated its investigation based on multiple FIRs and chargesheets filed by Rajasthan Police, uncovering that Ranveer Bijarniya, Subhash Bijarniya, and their associates deceived investors by falsely asserting their funds would be invested in the Dholera City Project in Gujarat.
The accused enticed individuals by displaying forged images of Dholera projects, promising land plots or high returns within a brief time frame.
Investigations indicated that this fraud was structured similarly to a Ponzi scheme, offering attractive returns, referral bonuses, and incentives like laptops, bikes, and cars for recruiting more investors.
Additional commissions were promised for bringing in new investors under unique IDs, fostering a multi-level marketing strategy.
Many investors used their life savings, loans, or family contributions to participate. Although initial returns were disbursed to build confidence, all payments suddenly ceased in January 2023, and company offices were found closed with the promoters missing, leading to a surge of police complaints.
Ongoing investigations are being conducted, officials reported.
The ED serves as a law enforcement and economic intelligence agency of the Central government.
The ED is tasked with enforcing economic laws and addressing financial crimes, operating under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, with its headquarters located in Delhi.
The ED's primary responsibilities include enforcing two significant laws: the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA). Additionally, the ED is responsible for implementing the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA).