ED conducted Search Operations at various Full Fledged Money Changers Companies in PDS Scam of West Bengal

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) launched an investigation into the PDS Scam based on multiple FIRs filed by the West Bengal Police, alleging that various private individuals were in unauthorised possession of PDS rations and involved in bogus paddy procurement.

During ED investigation, it has been revealed that proceeds of crime were generated and shared among various persons by adopting various modus operandi.

During the investigation, it was discovered that such persons laundered the proceeds of crime using the corporate identity of various companies, invested in the acquisition of various immovable properties and also transferred part of said POC to certain companies under the control and beneficial ownership of Jyoti Priya Mallick.

On January 5, 2024, searches were undertaken at several Full Fledged Money Changers (FFMC) companies and connected individuals and relevant evidence were seized during the search.

The investigation carried out so far indicates that the magnitude of the scam is enormous, and the proceeds of crime received and further transferred and layered by one suspected person itself are suspected to be at least to the tune of Rs. 9,000 – 10,000 Crore and out of that, Rs. 2000 Crore were also suspected to be transferred to Dubai either directly or through Bangladesh.

Sankar Addhya, a Bongaon resident who owns and controls multiple FFMC companies, was arrested on January 5, 2024. He was granted 14 days in ED detention by the Ld. Special PMLA Court in Kolkata.

Furthermore, on 05.01.24, ED teams were attacked while conducting a search at the residence and office premises of Sahajahan Shekh, Convenor of TMC Sandesh Khali, North 24 Parganas, and a complaint was filed with the jurisdictional Police for the registration of a FIR for offences under Sections 307, 333, 326, 353, 392, 395, 397, 149, 148, 186, 189, 426, 435, 440, 341 & 342 r/w Sections 120B, 109, and 115 of the IPC, 1860. Police filed FIR No. 09 of 2024 at Nazat P.S. for crimes 147, 148, 149, 341, 186, 353, 323, 427, 379, 504, 34 [mostly bailable and non-scheduled offences]. A copy of the FIR has not been sent to this Directorate.