Enforcement Directorate Files Money Laundering Case in Lucknow Property Fraud
The Allahabad sub-zonal office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken decisive legal action in a significant financial fraud case. On September 29, 2025, the agency filed a prosecution complaint before the Special Court (CBI), West, in Lucknow, targeting Yogesh Kumar Tiwari under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Court Takes Cognisance of ED Complaint
The Special Court formally took cognisance of the complaint on Wednesday, marking a crucial step in the legal proceedings. This development follows an extensive investigation initiated by the ED based on a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Uttar Pradesh Police in Jhunsi, Prayagraj.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
The original police case involved multiple serious charges under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, including:
- Cheating
- Forgery
- Criminal breach of trust
- Criminal intimidation
According to investigation findings, Tiwari allegedly operated a deceptive scheme where he fraudulently induced the complainant to transfer several immovable properties based on false assurances and promises that were never fulfilled.
ED Investigation Uncovers Financial Crimes
The Enforcement Directorate's thorough probe revealed that Tiwari deceived the complainant and fraudulently acquired five valuable properties without making the due payments as promised. The financial scale of the crime became apparent as investigators identified proceeds of crime amounting to approximately Rs 1.41 crore in this case.
In a significant move to secure the assets, the ED had previously issued a provisional attachment order on November 8, 2024, targeting immovable properties valued at Rs 78 lakh. This preventive measure aimed to prevent the accused from disposing of or transferring these assets during the investigation.
Money Laundering Charges Established
The ED investigation established a clear pattern of financial misconduct. Investigators found that Tiwari had generated, acquired, possessed, concealed, and used the proceeds of crime obtained through the property fraud scheme. Furthermore, evidence suggested attempts to project these illicit funds as legitimate, untainted property.
Based on these findings, the Enforcement Directorate has made out a strong case of money laundering under Section 3 of the PMLA, which is punishable under Section 4 of the same act. The prosecution complaint represents the culmination of months of investigative work by the financial investigation agency.
This case highlights the ED's continued focus on financial crimes and property-related frauds in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the Lucknow region. The legal proceedings will now move forward in the Special Court, where the charges will be examined in detail, potentially setting an important precedent for similar cases involving property fraud and money laundering in the state.
