The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Nagani Akram Mohammad Shafi, a key accused in the alleged cash-for-vote case. Officials apprehended Shafi at Ahmedabad Airport on Tuesday as he attempted to flee to Dubai. Authorities issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against him, leading to his detention.
The case originated in Maharashtra’s Nashik district on November 7 when Malegaon Chawani Police Station registered an FIR related to the unexplained deposit of over ₹100 crores in 14 newly opened accounts at the Nashik Merchant Co-operative Bank (NAMCO Bank), Malegaon.
The complaint was lodged by Jayes Lotan Misal, who accused Siraj Ahmed Mohammad Harun Memon and his associates of using stolen identity documents to create shell entities and open these bank accounts.
According to the complaint, Siraj Ahmed obtained the identity documents of Jayes Misal, his brother Ganesh Misal, and others under false pretences, offering them financial benefits or jobs.
Ahmed reportedly used these details to acquire SIM cards linked to the fraudulent accounts, gaining full control over them.
These accounts facilitated significant circular financial transactions, including term deposits and money transfers amounting to hundreds of crores.
The ED revealed that Siraj Ahmed acted under the instructions of Shafi. It is alleged that Shafi played a crucial role in orchestrating the scam by directing the opening and operation of the 14 bank accounts.
ED officials further claimed that Ahmed transferred ₹14 crores through hawala channels on Shafi’s instructions.
The ED, in coordination with the Malegaon Police, collected substantial evidence, prompting the issuance of the LOC against Shafi. Officials believe that the arrest will aid in unravelling the financial web behind the scam and exposing others involved.
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