Bank Fraud: ED attaches Rs 35.05 crore assets of BNR Infra, others

The ED has attached two properties valued at Rs 35.05 crore in a bank fraud case involving BNR Infra and Elite Infra. The fraud caused a total loss of Rs 35.06 crore to SBI and Bank of Maharashtra through forged documents and misrepresentation.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached two immovable properties having a value of Rs 35.05 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in a bank fraud case against BNR Infra and Leasing, Elite Infra Projects Pvt Ltd and others.

ED's Hyderabad zonal office attached the properties belonging to Beereddy Narasimha Reddy and Anil Beniprasad Aggarwal, which are in the form of a land parcel and a residential flat.

ED initiated an investigation under PMLA, 2002, based on two FIRs registered by CBI, EOW, Chennai and CBI, ACB, Hyderabad under various Sections of the IPC, 1860 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

These FIRs relate to fraudulent availment of credit facilities by BNR Infra and Leasing and Elite Infra Projects Pvt Ltd from State Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra, respectively, by submitting forged documents, misrepresenting ownership and status of collateral properties, and concealing material facts relating to disputed land titles. The fraud resulted in wrongful loss of approximately Rs 8.20 crore to SBI and Rs 26.86 Crore to Bank of Maharashtra.

Details of the Fraud

ED said its investigation revealed that "the promoters and directors of the entities, in criminal conspiracy with associates, obtained bank loans by mortgaging properties which were either agricultural land falsely projected as non-agricultural or properties that were already under dispute and lacked a clear title."

"Forged documents, including fake land conversion certificates and fabricated declarations regarding ownership and encumbrances, were submitted to the banks to secure credit facilities," said the ED.

Fabricated Agreement for Bank Guarantee

ED investigation further revealed that, in furtherance of the conspiracy, a fabricated agreement relating to construction activity was created between the accused persons and Comfort Securities Ltd, represented by its director Anil Beniprasad Agarwal, for the purpose of obtaining a Bank Guarantee of Rs 1 crore from the SBI.

"The Bank Guarantee was subsequently dishonestly invoked and encashed despite the fact that no genuine construction activity or contractual obligation existed. Through this fraudulent invocation, the accused persons caused wrongful loss to the bank and corresponding wrongful gain to themselves," said the ED.

Diversion of Loan Proceeds

Investigation revealed that substantial amounts of the fraudulently obtained loan proceeds were routed through various group companies and entities controlled by the accused persons and were ultimately used for repayment of unrelated liabilities, diversion to other firms, and acquisition of assets, stated the agency. (ANI)

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