Fake govt offices set up, funds siphoned off in Gujarat

In Dahod district of Gujarat, six phony government offices were established by a group of individuals who posed as government officials. These impostors forged seals and signatures, fabricated documents, and secured fraudulent government grants. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation uncovered that the culprits colluded with government officials, procured approval for 121 fictitious projects, and illicitly obtained funds.

These funds were circulated through a complex network of bank accounts before being laundered via investments in real estate, shares, and mutual funds. Upon tracing the financial trail, the ED seized properties and assets, amounting to approximately Rs 22 crore, belonging to the primary accused, Abubakar Jakirali Saiyad, his relatives, and associates.

The seized assets consist of seven land parcels, mutual fund investments, and balances across various bank accounts. The ED asserts that the money obtained from government departments was initially deposited into nine accounts under the names of the bogus government offices, transferred to 18 intermediary accounts, and ultimately sent to 118 other accounts controlled by individuals and entities associated with the accused.