Dahod Fake Govt Offices Scam: ED Attaches Rs 22.70 Crore Assets

Dahod: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ahmedabad Zonal Office, has provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 22.70 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the Dahod fake government offices scam. The attached properties belong to Abubakar Jakirali Saiyad and his family members and associates, the ED said.

The ED launched its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Dahod Town ‘A’ Division Police Station in Gujarat. The case relates to the alleged creation of six fake government offices of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department in Dahod district.

According to the ED, the accused allegedly impersonated government officials, forged official seals and signatures, prepared fake documents and fraudulently obtained government funds. The investigation found that the accused, acting in conspiracy, secured approval for 121 fake works and allegedly received government funds fraudulently.

The illegally obtained funds were allegedly routed through a network of bank accounts before being used to acquire properties, make investments and for other purposes.

The attached assets include seven parcels of land, mutual fund investments and balances in various bank accounts, with a total value of Rs 22.70 crore.

The ED investigation further found that the alleged fraud proceeds were initially deposited into nine bank accounts opened in the names of fake government offices. The funds were then transferred through 18 intermediary accounts before being distributed to 118 other accounts linked to individuals and entities associated with the accused.

The ED has also cautioned the public against sharing bank accounts, ATM cards, cheque books, internet banking credentials, OTPs or KYC documents with anyone in exchange for small payments, commissions or other financial benefits. Further investigation is in progress. DeshGujarat