KOCHI: The Directorate of Execution, investigating money laundering investigation against Popular Front of India (PFI), told a court here on Thursday that its investigation so far revealed that the Kerala-based team has received more than 100 million rupees in its bank accounts over the years.
The agency, while seeking the extension of custody PFI student wing leader KA Rauf Sharif, arrested in connection with money laundering investigation, made presentation in special court for prevention of money laundering cases here.
Considering EDAccording to the request, the court extended Sharif’s custody for three more days.
In its submitted affidavit, ED stated that the source and disbursement of these funds are under investigation.
“The investigation carried out by the Directorate against PFI has so far revealed that more than Rs 100 million have been deposited into PFI accounts over the years, and that a large part of them has been deposited in cash “said the ED.
He also alleged that since 2013, PFI has committed several criminal offenses and money transfers and cash deposits have also increased significantly after 2014.
The investigation also revealed that PFI has been involved in protests against the CAA and the funds during the period December 2019 to February 2020 may have been used for this purpose, according to the affidavit.
ED also mentioned that the role and involvement of PFI members in the Delhi riots in February this year has come to its notice in the ongoing investigation into money laundering in the riots.
“There are also indications that PFI has links to the recent violence in the city of Bangalore in which its political wing, SDPI, has been found to be involved.
PFI has also been involved in several cases in the past in which public order was disturbed and various serious crimes were committed by members of the organizations, ”he said in the affidavit.
The DE, which carried out searches at PFI offices and at the residences of carriers at its offices across India, said that incriminating documents and digital devices were seized during the raids.
He alleged that PFI has been collecting huge amounts of funds abroad and that targets have also been set for collecting funds abroad.
In seeking custody of Rauf Sharif, PFI’s student wing national secretary general, the ED said it is apparent that the team and its partner organizations such as CFI have been continuously involved in money laundering and have been using the proceeds of crime to commit illegal activities throughout India. .
Sharif’s evasive and uncooperative attitude coupled with his deliberate attempts to avoid joining the investigation and flee the country trigger further suspicions about his activities and involvement in money laundering activities, the ED reported.
He was brought before the special court as his seven-day custody awarded to ED last week ended on Thursday.
When Sharif informed the court that the agency mentally tortured him, the judge warned and ordered ED not to repeat it.
The DE arrested Sharif after authorities detained him at Thiruvananthapuram airport two weeks ago.
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