Kochi, Dec 12 (Agency) The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday seized documents indicating money laundering activities by the Popular Front of India (PFI) in India and Abu Dhabi. The seized documents also indicate about the money laundering activities of PFI through various projects in Kerala including the Munnar Villa Vista project which is being built by the PFI leaders to launder proceeds of the crime generated in India and abroad. Acquisition of foreign properties by PFI leaders, including a bar and restaurant in Abu Dhabi, has come to the notice of the Directorate, which is under investigation, an ED press release said.
The ED conducted searches at four premises related to leaders and office bearers of PFI in Kerala on December 8. Searches were conducted at the residential premises of Shafeeque Payeth, a PFI and SDPI member at Peringathur in Kannur, the residential premises of Abdul Razak BP, PFI Divisional President of Perumpadappu at Malappuram, residential premises of Ashraf MK, a PFI leader at Muvattapuzah in Emakulam and the office premises of Munnar Villa Vista Project at Mankulam in Munnar. Despite attempts by PFI to disrupt the search operations, the ED officers, assisted by a sizeable contingent of CRPF personnel carried out the search operations successfully and seized incriminating documents, digital devices and evidences related to foreign funding and acquisition of properties abroad during the search operation, it said.