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Informative

ED Attaches Properties of Cyber Fraud Accused in Surat Under PMLA.

Update / Judgement Date

18 Nov 2025

Source

WCP News Bulletin

Author

Sakshi Bhardwaj — WCP Legal Desk

Reading Time

2 min read

Financial ManagementOther Legal Matters
ED Attaches Properties of Cyber Fraud Accused in Surat Under PMLA.
WCP News Bulletin

Headnote:

The ED provisionally attached three immovable properties worth Rs. 2.13 Crore belonging to Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor and his family under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). The attachment is part of ongoing investigations into multiple cybercrime fraud cases involving over Rs. 100 Crore of proceeds of crime, where the accused defrauded victims through digital arrests, forex trading schemes, and fake notices from law enforcement agencies.


Background:

  1. The investigation stems from findings of the Special Operation Group of Surat Police, with ED taking action under PMLA.
  2. Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor, his sons Kaashif and Bassam, and other accomplices defrauded individuals using cyber fraud methods such as fake legal notices and forex trading scams.
  3. To launder the proceeds of crime, they opened bank accounts in the names of employees/associates, used pre-activated SIM cards, and converted funds into cryptocurrency (USDT) via hawala operators.
  4. Earlier, four accused—including Makbul Doctor and Kaashif—were arrested under PMLA for money laundering offences.


Court/Authority Observations:

  1. ED found a deliberate and organized mechanism for layering and laundering proceeds of crime through domestic and digital channels.
  2. The attachment of properties aims to prevent dissipation of illicitly acquired assets while investigations continue.
  3. Further investigation is ongoing to trace additional assets and accomplices.


Legal Provisions Discussed:

  1. Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) – Sections relating to attachment and confiscation of property derived from proceeds of crime.
  2. Indian Penal Code / Cybercrime Laws – In relation to fraud, cheating, and criminal conspiracy involving digital platforms.


Citation: 2025:ED:SUR:PR:18-11-2025

Case: Enforcement Directorate v. Makbul Abdul Rehman Doctor & Ors.

Court/Authority: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Surat Sub-Zonal Office

Date of Press Release/Action: 17 November 2025

Reference: PMLA Attachment Proceedings