Surat, Nov 18 – Indian authorities have seized three immovable properties worth a total of ₹2.13 crore in a fresh money‑laundering probe that ties into a larger cyber‑crime case. The case involves more than ₹100 crore in illicit funds and highlights the use of cryptocurrency, notably USDT, to move the money.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in Surat announced the provisional attachment on Monday. The properties belong to Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor and his family. Earlier, four suspects—Makbul Doctor, his sons Kaashif and Bassam, and criminal Mahesh Mafatlal Desai—were arrested under the PMLA‑2002 for a series of frauds.
According to the ED, the criminals turned the proceeds of cyber fraud into crypto by sending cash through a network of hawala operators. They also set up bank accounts under the names of hired staff and other associates to pool the stolen money before converting it to USDT. SIM cards were pre‑activated using the same setup to manage these accounts.
The allegations span fake digital arrests, fraudulent forex trading, and threatening messages from “the Supreme Court of India and the ED” that tricked victims into sending money. The attackers used these tactics to solicit funds—either directly or via hawala, which helps evade bank regulations and traceability.
The ED’s investigation was triggered by a Special Operations Group probe conducted by the Surat Police. The agency will continue to monitor the case and any further attempts to launder the proceeds. The seizure of the ₹2.13‑crore properties marks a significant step in curbing the cyber‑crime network, reinforcing the fight against money laundering linked to large-scale digital fraud.
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