Ahmedabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth ₹22.70 crore linked to key accused Abubakar Jakirali Saiyad, his family members and associates in connection with the alleged fake government offices scam in Gujarat’s Dahod district. The action was taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to the agency, the alleged scam involved creating fake government offices in the name of the irrigation and water resources department, obtaining government funds through fraudulent means and subsequently routing the money through a complex network of bank accounts.
The ED’s Ahmedabad Zonal Office said its investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered at Dahod Town A Division police station in 2023. According to the FIR, the accused allegedly established six fake government offices in Dahod district and posed as government officials. They allegedly used forged seals, signatures and documents to create an appearance of authenticity and obtain approvals and government grants.
According to the ED, the accused allegedly secured approval for 121 fake works and fraudulently received government funds. Investigators found that the money was not retained in a single account but was moved through multiple bank accounts linked to individuals and entities associated with the accused. The movement of funds is now a key focus of the money laundering investigation.
The agency said the alleged fraud proceeds were initially deposited into nine bank accounts opened in the names of the fake government offices. From these accounts, the money was transferred through 18 intermediary accounts. The funds were subsequently distributed among 118 other bank accounts linked to individuals and entities allegedly connected with the accused.
The ED is examining the entire financial trail to determine how much government money was allegedly obtained through the fake works and where the funds were ultimately used. Investigators are also examining the relationship between the account holders and the accused to establish whether the accounts were knowingly used for routing the alleged proceeds of crime.
During the investigation, the ED allegedly found that proceeds of the suspected fraud were used for acquiring properties, making investments and other purposes. Based on these findings, the agency has provisionally attached seven parcels of land, investments in mutual funds and balances held in various bank accounts. The total value of the attached assets has been assessed at ₹22.70 crore.
The case has already resulted in legal action against several accused persons. Former IAS officer B D Ninama was among those arrested in connection with the alleged scam. The investigation has attracted attention because the accused allegedly created government-like offices and used official identities, documents and procedures to obtain public funds.
The ED is now examining the records connected with the 121 allegedly fictitious works, including approval documents, financial transactions and other supporting paperwork. Investigators are also looking into the purchase of properties and investments allegedly made using the proceeds of the suspected offence.
The provisional attachment of properties is intended to secure assets allegedly representing proceeds of crime during the legal proceedings. The attachment does not by itself constitute a final determination of guilt, and the allegations against the accused will be subject to the ongoing legal process.
The investigation is also examining whether additional individuals, entities or financial accounts were involved in the alleged laundering of the funds. Bank statements, property records, investment documents and other financial evidence are expected to help investigators establish the complete money trail.
The Dahod case highlights the alleged misuse of government identities and administrative procedures to obtain public funds. The creation of six fake offices, approval of 121 alleged bogus works and routing of funds through 118 linked accounts have expanded the scope of the investigation.
The ED said further investigation is underway. The agency is continuing to trace the alleged proceeds of crime and determine the role of other persons and entities connected with the financial network. Further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the probe and the outcome of the proceedings under the PMLA.
