New Delhi, 03 June (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Nazneen Ansari, alias Abida, in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Heera Group investment scam. Arrested on Tuesday, Ansari has been accused of obstructing the auction process of properties attached by the ED.

According to the agency, Nazneen Ansari served as the personal assistant to Nowhera Shaik, the head of the Heera Group. The ED alleged that she was actively involved in retaining possession of properties attached by the agency, collecting rent from them, encouraging fresh investments, and misleading various authorities. The investigation revealed that she was utilizing the attached assets and assisting in the continuation of commercial activities linked to them.

The probe further found that despite being fully aware of the ongoing investigation against the Heera Group, Ansari continued to participate in raising funds from investors. The ED stated that she was knowingly involved in activities relating to the possession, use, concealment, and generation of proceeds of crime.

The agency also alleged that Ansari was in possession of several attached properties that had been earmarked for auction pursuant to directions issued by the Supreme Court. Despite this, she allegedly attempted to disrupt the auction process by instructing staff members not to allow inspections of the properties and by trying to portray them as unaffected by the attachment proceedings.

The ED said that it is continuing its investigation to trace the remaining proceeds of crime and uncover the complete money trail associated with the case.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar