Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday unearthed alleged financial misappropriation to the tune of Rs 2.5 crore in the Odisha Forest department.
During search operations at the office and residences of Forest range officials of Jaipatna Range, Kalahandi South division, on February 28, officials of ED Bhubaneswar discovered 121 money mule accounts, and found ATM cards of those accounts, mobile phones, withdrawal slips, digital devices, other incriminating documents.
A suspected tiger skin, obviously illegal, was also seized by ED.
The central agency said in a statement that raids were carried out after it received an operational analysis report in a case of ‘money mule accounts’ from the financial intelligence unit (FIU).
What was the Modus Operandi
Some Forest department officials – from forest guard to ranger — are suspected to be involved in the scam. According to ED, they were involved in the opening of 121 mule accounts in the name of different individuals.
Funds were credited in those accounts through NEFT from the Range office. The money was immediately withdrawn through ATMs, according to ED.
Many of these accounts were opened using the same mobile numbers.
The total volume of funds meant for various government schemes which were ‘diverted’ between 2022 and 2024 is likely to be in excess of Rs 2.5 crore, as per the ED.
