Enforcement Directorate Conducts Searches at Merlin Group Properties
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently conducted searches at seven premises linked to the Kolkata-based real estate firm, Merlin Group, and its promoters as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation.
Alleged Irregularities and Forged Documents
- Promoters Sushil Mohta, Saket Mohta, and other related entities allegedly forged documents and fraudulently grabbed various parcels of land, including public land.
- They subsequently exploited the land by launching large-scale real estate projects.
- The promoters fraudulently projected themselves as lawful owners, inducing the public to invest substantial sums of money in their projects, revealed the ED probe.
Association with Senior Political Leaders and Public Officials
ED sources said that the investigation further revealed association of the Merlin Group with senior political leaders and public officials of the state government.
Their role and transactions with the Merlin Group and its promoters are under scrutiny, they added.
Searches and Evidence Gathering
According to the agency sources, searches on Wednesday were aimed at gathering evidence related to the alleged financial and property irregularities.
Various incriminating digital devices and documents were also seized from the premises, while further investigation is underway.