AML Watchdog of India, Enforcement Directorate (ED) Seizes 1.65 Cr Cash and frozen 44.5 Bitcoin relating to the E-nuggets.
Following the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted a search operation at two locations in Kolkata, resulting in the seizure of cash totaling Rs. 1.65 crores, the freezing of 44.5 bitcoins (equivalent to Rs. 7.12 crore at the current market exchange rate), and other incriminating documents in connection with an investigation being conducted into the mobile gaming application known as E-nuggets.
Who filed the complaint?
The current case was opened based on an FIR dated 15.02.2021 filed by Park Street Police Station, Kolkata Police, against Aamir Khan and others under many IPC sections, as a result of a complaint made by Federal Bank officials in the court of Learned Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Calcutta.
What is E-Nuggets App?
Aamir Khan, the son of Nesar Ahmed Khan, released the mobile game software E-Nuggets intending to scam the public. During the initial period, the users were rewarded with a commission for referring new users. The balance in the wallet could be withdrawn in a hassle-free manner which provided initial confidence to the users. These users then started investing bigger amounts for a greater percentage of commission. Additionally, after receiving a sizable donation from the general public, the withdrawal from the aforementioned App abruptly came to an end.
Following that, all data, including profile data, was deleted from the App as mentioned earlier servers. It was discovered that the money was laundered through more than 300 different accounts.
Assets of E-nuggets Promoters
Earlier, during a search operation against Aamir Khan, a total of Rs 17.32 crore was discovered and seized from the residential property. Additionally, 85.91870554 Bitcoins worth USD 1674255.7 (roughly Rs 13.56 crore at the time, based on market exchange rates) were discovered in balance on Binance Exchange and were frozen.
A total of Rs 47.64 lakhs worth of cryptocurrency was also frozen in WazirX accounts. It seized WRX tokens and USDT coins. The amount of Rs 5.47 Cr discovered in Aamir Khan and his accomplice’s bank account has been frozen. A total of Rs 51.16 Cr has been frozen or confiscated in this case during investigations under the PMLA.
