Imphal, Dec 19 (NationPress) - The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed search operations at various sites throughout Manipur on Friday, confiscating three luxury vehicles, property documents estimated at approximately Rs 10 crore, along with additional incriminating materials and five mobile devices containing sensitive information, according to sources from the central investigative agency.

The ED agents from the Imphal Sub Zone conducted searches at five distinct locations in Imphal, focusing on the residences of the Chairman and Managing Directors of the Salai Group: N. Samarjit Singh, N. Biswajit Singh, A. Deepanand, E Brojendro Singh, and T. Tikendra Singh.

To ensure the operation's safety and efficiency, adequate security measures were implemented, with 30 CRPF personnel aiding in the process. The search resulted in the seizure of three high-end vehicles — Honda Elevate, Tata Harrier, and Maruti Baleno — along with various property documents valued at Rs 10 crore and other incriminating materials.

The ED sources indicated that five mobile phones containing incriminating documents and data related to the Salai Group of Companies were also confiscated.

Further statements obtained during the searches revealed that the accused individuals had unlawfully accepted cash deposits from the public, which were subsequently deposited into their personal bank accounts.

The funds, categorized as Proceeds of Crime (POC), were reportedly used for acquiring immovable assets, repaying loans for the seized vehicles, and personal expenditures.

The ED's investigation was initiated based on an FIR filed by Manipur Police at the Lamphel Police Station in Imphal West district. This FIR targeted Yambem Biren, self-proclaimed “Chief Minister of Manipur State Council,” and Narengbam Samarjit, self-styled “External Affairs & Defence Minister of Manipur State Council,” for their activities deemed prejudicial to the state, including waging war, sedition, and inciting communal disharmony by declaring independence for Manipur from the Union of India.

The NIA charged N Samarjit Singh, Y. Biren, and others under sections 120B, 420 of the IPC, along with sections 13 and 17 of the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act). The charges highlight that the accused fraudulently gathered public funds through the Salai Group and its affiliate SMART Society by promising exorbitant returns of 36% annually without any legal authority or license.

The laundered funds circulated through 19 affiliated companies were utilized for illegal activities, including secessionist initiatives.

Additional investigations revealed that the CBI also filed an FIR on March 15, 2023, against the Salai Group and its Directors for orchestrating an illegal Ponzi scheme under the IPC.

The CBI's charge sheet disclosed that the group obtained considerable cash from the public under the guise of M/s SMART Society without the necessary legal permission, establishing multiple companies/entities.

Consequently, the accused and their affiliates conspired to defraud the public by illegally accruing significant cash amounts, amounting to Rs 46,43,65,345 deposited across various bank accounts.

During the investigation under the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act), it was discovered that the accused amassed deposits totaling Rs 57.36 crore in cash from the public, promising a monthly interest rate of 3% without any legal authorization.

The amounts collected were funneled into personal and Salai Group accounts, constituting the Proceeds of Crime (POC) attributable to their criminal activities.

These proceeds were then redirected to various bank accounts of Salai Group companies and the personal accounts of the accused for purposes such as acquiring assets, repaying home and vehicle loans, and other loans.

Additionally, the funds were utilized for activities such as waging war against the Government of India, sedition, and inciting communal tensions.

As part of the ongoing investigation, a total of Rs 2.42 crore in POC has been attached and confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority.

A Prosecution Complaint has been presented before the Special Court (PMLA) in Imphal East on April 29, 2024.

Further investigations revealed that the POC funds were also used for acquiring machinery, foreign remittances of about Rs 17.5 crore, credit card payments of Rs 2.5 crore, and settling vehicle loans amounting to Rs 3.14 crore obtained from HDFC Bank, Imphal Branch.