The Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified its anti-money laundering action across multiple cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED Hyderabad Zonal Office conducted search operations on February 4, 2026, at six premises in Ahmedabad in connection with a large-scale illegal call centre scam that targeted foreign nationals, primarily US citizens. During the searches, cryptocurrency worth approximately USD 12,000 was recovered from key आरोपी Akeeb Ghanchi and transferred to the ED’s crypto wallet. Officials also seized unaccounted cash of ₹13.5 lakh, incriminating documents, and digital devices containing crucial data. Additionally, 31 bank accounts and one bank locker linked to the accused and their entities were frozen.
In a separate case, the ED Mumbai Zonal Office issued a Provisional Attachment Order (PAO) on February 4, 2026, attaching three immovable properties worth around ₹17.74 crore belonging to J M Mhatre and his wife. The case pertains to alleged money laundering involving illegal acquisition of forest land, its unlawful transfer to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and fraudulent land compensation claims. The attached land parcels are located at Survey Nos. 427/1 (41.70 hectares) and 436/1 (110.60 hectares) in Mauje Vahal, Taluka Panvel, District Raigad. So far, assets worth ₹69.47 crore have been identified and attached, seized, or frozen by the agency.
