Pramesh S Jain
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED),Bengaluru Zonal Office,conducted searches at 16 premises across Bengaluru,Chennai,Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam in connection with a money-laundering probe against Attica Gold Private Limited, Bengaluru,its shareholders and directors.
The searches were carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002,on September 23 and 24.
According to the ED,the probe relates to allegations that Attica Gold and persons associated with the company were habitually purchasing,acquiring and dealing in stolen gold articles,thereby generating substantial proceeds of crime.
The investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs registered and charge sheets filed by police authorities at various police stations in connection with the alleged purchase and dealing of stolen gold. ed 
The ED said information gathered during its investigation further indicated alleged money-laundering activities by the accused.
The premises searched included the residences of directors,former directors and shareholders, besides the head office and branches of Attica Gold and other linked entities.
The ED identified P.S.Ayub alias Bomanahalli Babu, Obedulla A,Mohammed Salman A.and Arbin Taj A. among the key persons covered by the investigation.
The agency said these persons did not cooperate during the searches and remained absconding.It also alleged that employees at some of the business premises had been instructed by the key persons to remain unavailable during the search operations.
The searches resulted in the seizure of cash amounting to Rs.7.52 lakh,besides foreign currency, gold jewellery and silver articles,the ED said.Further investigation is underway.
