ED searches 16 premises linked to Attica Gold, reports ₹7.52 lakh seizure

The Enforcement Directorate said it seized cash, foreign currency, gold jewellery and silver articles valued at ₹7.52 lakh during searches at 16 premises linked to Attica Gold Private Limited and others.

The agency's Bengaluru Zonal Office conducted the searches on Wednesday and Thursday at locations in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The premises included the residences of directors, former directors and shareholders, as well as Attica Gold’s head office and branches.

The ED said its investigation concerns allegations that the company and people linked to it purchased, acquired and dealt in stolen gold articles, generating alleged proceeds of crime. It said the case stemmed from multiple police FIRs and charge sheets filed at different police stations, along with information gathered during its money-laundering inquiry.

The agency also alleged that several key persons were unavailable during the searches.