The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Mumbai has formally lodged a chargesheet in connection with a money laundering case associated with an alleged drug syndicate purportedly operated by drug trafficker Ali Asgar Shirazi and his accomplices, according to insider sources.
The chargesheet accuses Shirazi of channeling illicit funds acquired through an international drug network into various restaurant chains and food startups within the city, utilizing intermediaries such as restaurateur Kunal Ojha. The investigative findings suggest that the total proceeds of the criminal activity amount to approximately Rs 44 crore, as per the latest assessments.
This legal action has been directed against a total of 18 individuals and entities, filed before the Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court in Mumbai.
The chargesheet alleges Shirazi's affiliation with the wanted international drug kingpin Kailas Rajput and a syndicate reportedly associated with underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim. This syndicate purportedly orchestrated the trafficking of narcotics from India to destinations including the United States, Europe, and Australia.
Ali Asgar Shirazi was apprehended on January 5 by the Enforcement Directorate as part of its ongoing money laundering inquiry, stemming from the seizure of synthetic psychotropic narcotic Ketamine valued at approximately ₹7.87 crore by the Mumbai police in March of the previous year. Shirazi currently remains in judicial custody.
The investigation has unearthed intricate operational mechanisms within the drug syndicate allegedly overseen by Shirazi and his cohorts, encompassing telecommunication firms operating call centers and websites, logistics enterprises, consultancy firms, and pharmaceutical companies engaged in the production of synthetic drugs. These call centers and websites purportedly facilitated the solicitation of drug orders from overseas, which were then clandestinely shipped abroad under the guise of pharmaceuticals.
Recently, the probe agency seized assets amounting to Rs 5.37 crore belonging to Shirazi and others, encompassing seven properties, including flats, shops, and land parcels, with an estimated worth of Rs 5 crore. Additionally, movable assets valued at Rs. 36.81 lakh, including fixed deposits and bank accounts, were also confiscated.
Previously, Enforcement Directorate operatives conducted extensive searches across various locations associated with the case, leading to the seizure of bank accounts, fixed deposits, gold, and jewelry, totaling approximately Rs 2.9 crore.
Furthermore, the agency has recorded statements from Tajikistani singer and actor Abdu Rozik and actor Shiv Thakare, who were reportedly approached by a Shirazi associate for brand promotion activities linked to one of the restaurant chains.
