ED Attaches Rs 55 Crore Assets in DMK Functionary's Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth over Rs 55 crore of expelled DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq and his associates in a narcotics trafficking-linked money-laundering case. The action follows a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Customs, revealing an extensive drug smuggling and money laundering network.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday announced that it has attached assets worth over Rs 55 crore belonging to expelled DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq and his associates as part of an investigation into narcotics trafficking-linked money laundering.

Issued on September 2 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the provisional attachment order targets 14 properties including the JSM Residency Hotel, a luxurious bungalow, and seven high-end vehicles like Jaguar and Mercedes. The total value of these properties is Rs 55.3 crore, according to the ED's statement.

Sadiq, embroiled in a drug smuggling and money laundering ring, was arrested in June, followed by the arrest of his brother Mohammed Saleem in August. Distancing itself, the ruling DMK expelled Sadiq soon after his alleged links to a drugs network were reported by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)