Srinagar | November 28, 2025: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Srinagar Zonal Office, on November 25, 2025, filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) against Abdul Momin Peer and his wife Syed Sadaf Andrabi before the Court of the Hon’ble Principal and Sessions Judge (Designated Special Court – PMLA), Jammu. The complaint has been filed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and the court has issued notices to all accused for December 12, 2025.
The ED investigation was initiated on the basis of FIR No. 183/2020, registered at Handwara Police Station under Section 82(1) of the NDPS Act, 1985. Subsequently, the case was taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and re-registered on June 23, 2020 (RC-032020NIAJMU) under relevant sections of the IPC, NDPS Act, and UAPA, 1967, covering drug smuggling, trafficking, and terror funding. The NIA had earlier filed a charge-sheet and supplementary charge-sheet against Abdul Momin Peer and 13 other accused.
Accused with history of narcotics trade and illicit gains
ED investigations revealed that Abdul Momin Peer had been arrested twice by J&K Police since 2017 for possession of heroin, confirming his active involvement in illegal narcotics trade. Further investigation showed that he had received approximately ₹2.15 crore in his bank accounts, both from the sale of smuggled heroin and as transportation charges collected from other accomplices involved in the operation.
Using these illicit proceeds, the accused purchased a residential property at Plot No. 79, HIG Colony, Bemina, Srinagar, registered in the name of his wife, Syed Sadaf Andrabi, for a consideration of ₹1.5 crore.
PMLA probe confirms laundering and concealment of illicit funds
Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, the ED determined that Abdul Momin Peer was actively involved in the smuggling, transportation, and sale of heroin, as well as in the generation, possession, concealment, and utilisation of its proceeds.
The investigation revealed that the accused attempted to project these illicit gains as legitimate assets, falsely claiming them to be earned through business activities, and invested the same in immovable property under the name of his wife, Syed Sadaf Andrabi.
Both Abdul Momin Peer and Syed Sadaf Andrabi were found to be directly connected to activities involving Proceeds of Crime, and their conduct falls under Section 3 of PMLA, making them liable for punishment under Section 4 of the Act.
Property attachment and legal proceedings
Earlier in the case, the ED had issued an Attachment Order with respect to the aforementioned property worth ₹1.5 crore, ensuring that the proceeds of crime were frozen pending legal proceedings. The ED also seized financial records and other incriminating documents linking the accused to the illicit income.
This case highlights the intersection of drug trafficking and money laundering, where proceeds from narcotics are systematically laundered into real estate and other assets. The ED has emphasized that such cases demonstrate the need for robust financial investigation to track and secure ill-gotten gains.
Ongoing investigation and next steps
The ED has stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further actions may include:
- Identification and attachment of additional properties
- Further arrests and legal proceedings
- Detailed analysis of financial transactions and fund trails
The agency reiterated its commitment to rigorous prosecution of money laundering offences, especially those arising from drug smuggling and terror-funding networks, while protecting the interests of legitimate stakeholders.
This case represents a critical step in ED’s efforts to curb organized crime financing and recover Proceeds of Crime generated through illegal activities. The December 12 hearing is expected to set the course for further legal action and asset recovery against the accused couple.
