ED attaches assets worth ₹2.8 cr in Ponzi scheme case

JAIPUR: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has attached assets worth ₹2.8 crore in a Ponzi scheme case filed in Rajasthan under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, officials of the agency said.

“The attached assets are in the form of 29 immovable properties (one house and plots) situated at Bhilwara, Rajasthan, and gold and silver jewellery held in the name of M/s Abhinav Gold International Marketing Pvt Ltd and its directors,” said an official of ED.

The directorate initiated an investigation under PMLA on the basis of an FIR registered by Bhilwara police against Anil Birla and Murlidhar Birla, directors of M/s Abhinav Gold International Marketing Pvt Ltd and others under sections 420, 406 of IPC and sections 3, 4, 5, 6 of Prize Chit and Money Circulation Scheme (Banning) Act, 1978.

Subsequently 14 FIRs were registered by the Rajasthan police and crime branch, Surat (Gujarat), against the firm and its directors.

“Investigation conducted under PMLA revealed that Anil Birla and Murlidhar Birla, directors of M/s Abhinav Gold International Marketing Pvt. Ltd, have collected crores of rupees from investors from March 14, 2010 to March 26, 2012. They have paid negligible amount through cheques to investors. The illegally collected amounts were deposited i n various bank accounts of M/s Abhinav Gold International Marketing Pvt. Ltd. & its directors,” the ED official said on the condition of anonymity. Further investigation is in progress.