Money laundering case: ED to probe financial transactions between Zakir Naik, his aide
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has revealed that all financial transactions between televangelist Zakir Naik and his confidant Aamir Gazdar are being scrutinised. Gazdar was arrested by ED officials on Thursday for allegedly acquiring and disposing of the cash he received from Naik.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has revealed that all financial transactions between televangelist Zakir Naik and his confidant Aamir Gazdar are being scrutinised. Gazdar was arrested by ED officials on Thursday for allegedly acquiring and disposing of the cash he received from Naik.
“Going by the preliminary investigation, it was observed that certain dummy companies were established by Naik in which Gazdar was a director in at least six of them. Gazdar did financial transactions with Naik and his associate companies. He also gave Rs2.35 crore loan to Harmony Media Pvt Ltd, which was repaid to him. He then loaned another Rs41.50 lakh, which were also returned. There was no agreement entered by him for the said transactions,” said an ED officer.
Officials said the registered office of Harmony Media is located in the building owned by his [Gazdar’s] family.
“Harmony Media has an editing studio, which was used for Naik’s television channel Peace TV. Sizable amount has been transacted in cash through him without leaving any trail of its origin or utilisation. This happened within a span of just eight months,” said the officer.
The agency also alleged that despite being director in the companies, Gazdar did not reveal its functioning or finances. Gazdar was arrested under Section 19 of the PMLA on Thursday at 7.30pm. ED had alleged that he was aware of the activities of Naik and is in touch with him.
Out of the six companies, Gazdar is director of two companies in England —Universal broadcasting corporation ltd and Lords production Inc Ltd — and four others based in Mumbai-Harmony Media Pvt Ltd, Long-lost constructions Pvt Ltd, Majestic Perfumes Pvt Ltd and Alpha Lubricants Pvt Ltd.
Also read: Zakir Naik had dummy firms to divert funds, ED tells court
