ED Searches Hyderabad Premises in ₹26 Crore Cyber Fraud Investigation
Court / Authority
Enforcement Directorate (ED)
Update / Judgement Date
30 Oct 2026
Source
WCP News Bulletin
Author
Dipanshi Bansal — WCP Legal Desk
Reading Time
4 min read
View Count
2
The Enforcement Directorate’s Kochi Zonal Office searched three premises in Hyderabad on 28 October 2026 in a money-laundering investigation arising from an alleged online investment fraud registered in Ernakulam. The agency says the complainant was cheated of ₹26.02 crore and that searches led to seizure of ₹6.40 lakh in cash and freezing of 11 bank accounts containing ₹14 lakh.
Key Highlights :
- Searches were conducted at three premises in Hyderabad under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
- The FIR originated from a complaint alleging inducement through Telegram messages and promises of high returns through the website capitalix.com.
- The complaint referred to transfers aggregating ₹24,76,21,042; the ED investigation put the alleged loss at ₹26,02,89,261.57 for the period 23 May 2023 to 27 May 2024.
- The agency alleges that funds were moved through mule accounts and entities floated in the names of family members and employees.
- Searches resulted in seizure of ₹6.40 lakh cash and freezing of 11 bank accounts with balances of ₹14 lakh.
- Plots and a villa valued at about ₹5 crore were identified; the release says documents and digital evidence were seized.
Background :
The investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered by the Cyber Police Station, Ernakulam.
The alleged scheme involved telephone and Telegram communications promising returns from trading through capitalix.com.
The ED identifies BTR Industries, Velugu Trading Company, Aasritha Mega Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Aasritha Infra Projects and Aasritha Infra Projects Pvt. Ltd. as entities allegedly used in the movement of funds.
What Has Changed :
Entity- Premises linked to Allamraju Satyanarayana Murthy
Allegation / Violation- Alleged layering of investor funds through mule accounts and entities associated with family members and employees.
Action Taken- Searches at three premises in Hyderabad; documents and digital evidence seized.
Next Step- Further investigation is under progress.
Entity- Bank accounts and cash Accounts
Allegation / Violation- allegedly connected with the accused and suspected proceeds of crime.
Action Taken- ₹6.40 lakh cash seized; 11 bank accounts with ₹14 lakh balance frozen.
Next Step- No further action or duration of freezing stated in the release.
Entity- Immovable assets Plots and villa
Allegation / Violation- allegedly acquired from proceeds of crime.
Action Taken- Assets valued at about ₹5 crore identified; the release does not say they were attached.
Next Step- Further tracing and investigation.
Who Is Affected :
- The complainant and other persons who may have transferred money through the alleged investment arrangement.
- Allamraju Satyanarayana Murthy and persons or entities under investigation.
- The identified entities and bank accounts; the release does not state that all entities or assets have been formally attached.
Compliance Action Points :
No direct compliance action for the general audience is stated. Any person or entity served with a formal freezing, seizure or attachment direction should follow that instrument; the underlying FIR and search/seizure records are not included in the source.
Analysis & Impact :
- CA / CS / Tax & Legal Professionals: Distinguish between assets identified, accounts frozen and properties formally attached. The press release confirms the first two actions but does not report provisional attachment of the approximately ₹5 crore properties.
- Businesses & Investors: The reported use of mule accounts and entities in relatives’ or employees’ names highlights the need to verify counterparties, beneficial ownership and unusual fund flows.
- News Readers: The ED reports a suspected cyber-investment fraud of approximately ₹26.03 crore; allegations have not been adjudicated.
- Points to Watch: The release does not state whether a provisional attachment order or prosecution complaint has followed.
References :
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 – statutory basis cited for searches and money-laundering investigation; specific sections are not stated in source.
- Indian Penal Code provisions underlying the Ernakulam FIR are not reproduced in the source.
Source & Attribution :
Directorate of Enforcement, Kochi Zonal Office, press release dated 30 October 2026. Official press release supplied by the user; public URL and FIR number not stated in source.
Disclaimer: This summary is an editorial aid prepared from publicly available information. It is not legal, tax or investment advice. Refer to the original notification, circular, order or report before acting
Full Judgement / Attachment
Full Judgement
Frequently asked questions about Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- What does the Enforcement Directorate do?
- The Directorate of Enforcement is a law enforcement agency in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It enforces the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018.
- What is an ECIR?
- An Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) is the ED's internal record of a PMLA case. The Supreme Court has held that it is not equivalent to an FIR and need not be supplied to the accused, although the grounds of arrest must be communicated in writing.
- What happens when the ED attaches property under PMLA?
- A provisional attachment order under Section 5 of PMLA is valid for 180 days. Within that period it must be confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority. A confirmed attachment can be appealed to the Appellate Tribunal and then to the High Court.
- Why is bail difficult in PMLA cases?
- Section 45 of PMLA imposes 'twin conditions': the court must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe the accused is not guilty and is not likely to commit an offence while on bail. Courts have, however, granted bail where trials are prolonged.
- How can White Collar Professional help with a ED or PMLA matter?
- Post your requirement on White Collar Professional to receive proposals from verified Advocates and forensic Chartered Accountants, compare them, and pay securely through the platform. This page also tracks the latest ED or PMLA ED and PMLA updates as they are reported.
