ED Cracks Down on Assam Fake Purchase Order Scam: Seizes ₹14.5 Lakh, Freezes ₹13.68 Lakh

Image Source: Internet

In a major crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at six locations in Assam and New Delhi as part of a money-laundering probe linked to allegedly fake purchase orders issued in the name of Dima Hasao and Mising autonomous councils. The ED's Guwahati Zonal Office carried out the searches on November 18 in Guwahati, Kokrajhar, Tezpur, and Delhi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The investigation, which has uncovered a sophisticated criminal conspiracy, involves allegations that several individuals, including Rishiraj Kaundinya, Biju Das, and Mukesh Jain, supplied goods using forged purchase orders. During the raids, the ED seized ₹14.5 lakh in cash, froze bank accounts with ₹13.68 lakh, and confiscated two vehicles. Additionally, land sale agreement documents worth ₹65 lakh, suspected to be linked to proceeds of crime, were seized along with other property records, digital devices, and documents. The probe has revealed a massive scam, with fake orders for various goods, including blankets, tarpaulins, and solar equipment, being used to induce suppliers and collect advance commissions. The accused allegedly diverted consignments, made unauthorized unloading of goods, and failed to make payments to suppliers, resulting in non-payment of ₹9.86 crore to multiple suppliers and illegal collection of ₹2.04 crore in advance commissions. The ED is now investigating to trace additional proceeds of crime, attach properties, and ensure restitution to victims through due legal process.