finance

ED Conducts Major Search Operations in Kolkata Over Mobile Gaming Fraud

Search Operations by ED Under PMLA in Kolkata

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has conducted extensive search operations on September 10, 2022, at six locations in Kolkata as part of an ongoing investigation related to a mobile gaming application. During these operations, cash totaling Rs 17.32 Crore was seized.

Background of the Investigation

This investigation stems from FIR No. 30 of 2021, registered on February 15, 2021, under sections 420, 406, 409, 468, 469, 471, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) by the Park Street Police Station in Kolkata. This FIR was initiated based on a complaint lodged by representatives of Federal Bank in the court of the Learned Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Calcutta, against Aamir Khan and others.

Allegations Against Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, son of Nesar Ahmed Khan, is accused of launching a mobile gaming application known as E-Nuggets, which allegedly aimed to defraud the public. Initially, users experienced rewards in the form of commissions, leading to a rise in their trust. As a result, many invested larger sums to gain higher commissions and placed multiple purchase orders. However, following the accumulation of significant amounts from users, the app abruptly halted withdrawals under various pretenses such as system upgrades or investigations by law enforcement agencies. Subsequently, all user data was erased from the app’s servers, revealing the deceitful scheme to the users.

Search and Recovery Operations

During the search, various incriminating documents were recovered and seized. Notably, Aamir Khan was not located and remains untraceable. A total of Rs 17.32 Crore in cash was identified and confiscated from the premises searched.

Further investigations are ongoing to uncover more details related to this fraudulent scheme.

Summary of Additional Findings

In continuing operations, the ED has reported finding substantial cash at the same premises during further searches. More than Rs 7 Crore has been identified, with the counting process still underway.

Conclusion

The ED is committed to addressing instances of financial fraud under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. As investigations continue, authorities aim to track down those responsible and ensure justice for affected users. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.