The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Surat Sub-Zonal Office, has provisionally attached three immovable properties belonging to Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor and his family members on 17 November 2025 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The attached properties, with a total valuation of Rs. 2.13 crore, are linked to multiple cybercrime fraud cases involving more than Rs. 100 crore of Proceeds of Crime (POC).
The action follows an investigation by the Special Operation Group of Surat Police, which uncovered large-scale digital and financial frauds orchestrated by Makbul Doctor and his associates.
Algoritha: The Most Trusted Name in BFSI Investigations and DFIR Services
Modus Operandi of the Cyber Fraud Network
The investigation revealed that Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor, along with his sons Kaashif Makbul Doctor and Bassam Makbul Doctor, and other accomplices, carried out systematic cyber fraud schemes targeting unsuspecting individuals. Their methods included:
Digital arrests and fake legal notices impersonating agencies such as the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, ED, and other law enforcement bodies.
Forex trading scams and fraudulent investment schemes.
Threats and intimidation using fake notices to extort money from victims.
To collect and accumulate the illicit proceeds, the accused opened and operated bank accounts in the names of employees, associates, and hired individuals. These accounts were often controlled using pre-activated SIM cards obtained through similar deceptive methods.
Laundering POC Through Crypto and Hawala Networks
Further investigation under PMLA revealed that the accused converted the proceeds of crime into cryptocurrency (USDT). The illicit funds were routed through multiple hawala operators to evade regulatory scrutiny and facilitate money laundering.
This complex network allowed the accused to move and obscure large sums of money domestically and internationally, making the trail difficult to trace.
Prior Arrests and Enforcement Action
During the ongoing ED investigation, four individuals – Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor, Kaashif Makbul Doctor, Mahesh Mafatlal Desai, and Om Rajendra Pandya – were arrested under the PMLA, 2002 for money laundering offenses.
Evidence indicates that the group operated in a well-coordinated manner, leveraging cyber fraud, digital banking manipulation, and crypto conversion to systematically launder criminal proceeds.
Current Status of Investigation
The ED has confirmed that the investigation is still underway, focusing on the identification of additional assets, bank accounts, and individuals involved. The attachment of these three properties demonstrates the Directorate’s proactive measures against cyber-enabled financial crimes.
Authorities continue to work on tracing the complete network of the accused, aiming to recover illicit funds and prevent further economic harm to the public.
Conclusion
The ED’s action against Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor and his associates highlights the growing threat posed by cybercrime and digital money laundering networks. The seizure of properties and the arrest of key perpetrators sends a strong message of accountability and enforcement.
This case underscores the importance of rigorous monitoring, cross-agency cooperation, and enforcement under PMLA to safeguard public funds and ensure that perpetrators of large-scale cyber fraud are brought to justice.
The Directorate of Enforcement remains vigilant in tracking and disrupting complex schemes involving cyber fraud, cryptocurrency, and hawala networks, reinforcing the commitment to protect public interests and financial integrity in India.
