ED Files Prosecution Complaint Against Shaista Parveen in Multi-Crore Extortion Racket Case

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ED Files Prosecution Complaint Against Shaista Parveen in Multi-Crore Extortion Racket Case

ED Files Prosecution Complaint Against Shaista Parveen in Multi-Crore Extortion Racket Case

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint (PC) against Shaista Parveen, wife of the late Atiq Ahmed, in connection with a multi-crore extortion racket. The complaint was filed before the Special Court (PMLA) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against Atiq Ahmed and others for offenses related to extortion, cheating, forgery, and illegal acquisition of assets. The scope of the investigation was later expanded to include several other FIRs related to murder, extortion, cheating, forgery, land grabbing, and similar crimes.

During the investigation, the ED discovered that Atiq Ahmed and his associates were investing their ill-gotten gains from illegal activities in purchasing immovable properties. These properties were registered in the names of various other individuals or benami holders to avoid detection by authorities.

Earlier, the ED had attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs. 8.14 crore belonging to Atiq Ahmed and Shaista Parveen. These properties included land in Allahabad registered in Shaista Parveen's name and bank accounts holding a combined balance of Rs. 1.28 crore.

In April and June 2023, the ED conducted searches at 27 premises linked to associates of Atiq Ahmed. These searches resulted in the seizure of cash amounting to Rs. 1.15 crore, gold and jewelry worth Rs. 6 crore, and other incriminating records.

The Special Court has taken cognizance of the PC filed by the ED. The investigation into the money laundering activities of Atiq Ahmed and his associates is ongoing.