ED Attaches Rs 67 Crore Properties Linked to Banned PFI and SDPI in Money Laundering Investigation

Further investigation is underway, according to officials. (Representational)

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Headquarters Office, has provisionally attached eight immovable properties valued at Rs 67.03 crore, which are beneficially owned and controlled by the banned organization Popular Front of India (PFI).

These attached assets were held under various trusts and the political wing of PFI - the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI).

ED launched investigations against PFI and related entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, based on multiple FIRs registered by the National Investigation Agency and other law enforcement agencies.

The investigation revealed that PFI office-bearers and members conspired to collect funds from both domestic and international sources, including through hawala channels and donations, with the purpose of financing terrorist activities across India.

Investigators discovered that SDPI operated as PFI's political front and was financially and operationally dependent on the banned organization. PFI reportedly maintained confidential records of expenses incurred for SDPI, and funds were collected under the pretext of social and relief activities.

According to the ED, these proceeds were utilized to advance a conspiracy to conduct violent and terrorist acts aimed at establishing an "Islamic Nation of India," thereby threatening the country's unity and secular structure.

To date, the ED has quantified the proceeds of crime at Rs 131 crore and arrested 28 leaders and cadres of PFI, including SDPI National President M.K. Faizy. Searches also resulted in the seizure of records detailing PFI's properties and training activities conducted under dummy ownership.

The attached entities include Green Valley Foundation, Alappuzha Social Cultural & Education Trust, Pandalam Educational and Cultural Trust, among others. With this latest enforcement action, total attachments in the case now amount to Rs 129 crore. The investigation continues.