ED Starts Probe Into Money Laundering Charges Against IFS Abhay Pathak & His Son

Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday began probe into money laundering charges and financial affairs of suspended IFS officer Abhay Kant Pathak and his son Akash who are under Vigilance scanner for their lavish lifestyle.

“We have started our probe today. We will probe all the allegations of money laundering and other deposits and investments made by the father-son duo,” said Joint Director (ED), Madhav Chandra Mishra.

Mishra further said that several banks and other law enforcement agencies will be asked to collect more information in the case.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Odisha Vigilance department requested the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax department to investigate into the financial transactions of IFS officer Abhay Kant Pathak and his son Akash under Prevention of Money laundering Act and Benami Transaction act.

The anti-corruption wing, which unearthed Rs 14.77 crore in the bank accounts of father-son duo, had raised suspicion of benami transaction and money laundering.

“In view of huge cash deposits of Rs 9.48 crore and deposits by transfer/clearing of Rs 5.29 crore totalling Rs 14.77 crore made in the three bank accounts of Akash Kumar Pathak and in the absence of any IT returns, there is a prima-facie indication of Tax evasion,” read a press statement released by the State Vigilance.

The Vigilance has referred the matter to Income Tax department, 1961 and Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988.

“Similarly, in view of the money laundering activities, the matter has also been referred to Enforcement Directorate for undertaking probe under Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.