Bengaluru: Enforcement Directorate searched 16 premises linked to Attica Gold in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam on Sept 23 and 24 following multiple complaints that the company was allegedly dealing in stolen gold articles.In a two-day operation, sleuths from ED’s Bengaluru zonal office seized Rs 7.5 lakh in cash, foreign currency, gold and silver articles as part of ongoing investigations under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.The ED is investigating the role of founder-promoter PS Ayub alias Bommanahalli Babu alias Attica Babu Others under the scanner are Obedulla A, Mohammed Salman A, along with their family members and business associates.Outside Madara Channaiah Mutt in Hiriyur in Chitradurga district, about 160km from Bengaluru, Attica Babu told reporters that the company director would comment on the issue later.The investigation stems from several FIRs and chargesheets filed by police across various jurisdictions, accusing Attica Gold and its key individuals of purchasing, acquiring, and dealing in stolen articles. The illicit transactions reportedly allowed key figures to amass substantial proceeds of crime, ED stated.A Bollywood actress and a Telugu film heroine are the company’s brand ambassadors.An ED press note said PS Ayub, Obedulla A, Mohammed Salman A and Arbin Taj A — central to the company’s operation and are at large — failed to cooperate with investigating officials.
