The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Kolkata recently conducted an operation targeting a suspected online gaming scam known as “E-Nugget”. The app, which presented itself as a gaming platform, allegedly lured users with promises of substantial investment returns. According to the ED, the app ceased operations abruptly, preventing users from withdrawing their funds.

The investigation began in 2022 after the ED discovered evidence suggesting some of the money obtained was invested in digital assets. Nearly 2,500 bank accounts linked to the operation were identified, and searches yielded a seizure of approximately ₹19 crore.

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The ED’s investigation was initiated based on a police report filed by Kolkata police regarding suspected illegal activities perpetrated by Aamir Khan and associates. They are accused of defrauding users of the E-Nuggets app by offering attractive returns and then abruptly ending the scheme. As part of the operation, the ED froze ₹2.43 crore across 66 bank accounts under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

One Aamir Khan, identified as a key figure in the alleged scam, has been arrested and remains in custody. The ED has worked with cryptocurrency exchanges Binance, ZebPay, and WazirX, resulting in the freezing of approximately ₹90 crore in funds linked to the operation.

The investigation suggests the use of numerous bank accounts to collect funds, which were then laundered and diverted for personal use, including property acquisitions and cryptocurrency investments. The ED has previously arrested Aamir Khan and Romen Agarwal in connection with the case and filed formal complaints against the individuals. Over ₹163 crore in assets, including cash, cryptocurrencies, accounts, and property have been seized or frozen.

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