The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has uncovered a major extortion racket operating in Kolkata and Bardhaman, leading to the arrest of the prime accused, S.K. Jinnar Ali. The alleged mastermind, who impersonated ED officials to defraud businessmen, has been remanded to ED custody until July 16 for further interrogation.
The agency, acting under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), carried out multiple raids on Wednesday following an FIR lodged at Bidhannagar South Police Station. According to officials, Ali contacted businessmen, summoning them to the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate office while posing as an ED officer. He used counterfeit credentials and fake government documents to intimidate and extort his victims.
During the operation, the ED seized two vehicles and froze Rs 45.89 lakh across various bank accounts held by Ali, his wife, and their firm — M/s Sparklink Management Service Private Limited. Investigators also recovered a cache of forged documents, including fake ED summons, fabricated seals, forged signatures, and letterheads of the Ministry of Home Affairs bearing the Ashoka Emblem. Lanyards labeled “Government of India” were also among the recovered items.
Further investigations revealed that Ali falsely projected himself as the chairman of “The National Anti-Trafficking Committee” and misled victims by offering fraudulent assistance in legal cases.
The ED has urged the public to remain vigilant and verify all official communications via their official website, cautioning against falling prey to impersonators.
