New Delhi: Around 200 shell firms and benami assets are now under the scanner of Central investigative agencies probing the Rs 11,400-crore alleged fraud at Punjab National Bank (PNB), involving diamond czar Nirav Modi, his relative and business partner Mehul Choksi and others.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which continued its searches against Modi, Choksi and their companies for the fourth day on Sunday, is also moving to attach at least two dozen immovable assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), ED sources said.
The ED conducted searches at 45 premises, including jewellery showrooms and workshops allegedly linked to the accused, across the country on Sunday.
“As many as 29 properties — of Nirav Modi, his family members and companies — that have been provisionally attached by the income-tax department, are being assessed by the ED under the PMLA. A few more assets will be attached soon under the stringent provisions of the PMLA,” a senior ED official said.
He added that the ED and the I-T department had zeroed in on around 200 dummy or shell companies in the country and abroad that were being used to route or receive funds as part of the alleged fraud.
