State vs. CREST fund diversion — Rs 75.34-crore CREST scam

A real estate director accused in a money laundering case involving alleged diversion of funds collected from homebuyers sought bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Punjab and Haryana High Court granted regular bail, holding that prolonged pre-trial incarceration can justify bail despite the rigorous conditions under Section 45 PMLA.

Former Trinamool Congress councillor Debraj Chakraborty was arrested and faced 10 additional extortion cases and land-grab complaints within 24 hours of arrest. He and his wife, former TMC legislator and singer Aditi Munshi, have been booked in multiple cases including extortion, money laundering, criminal intimidation, and asset disproportionate to income. Both CBI and Enforcement Directorate are investigating various charges.

The Enforcement Directorate uncovered a pan-India organised network of cyber fraudsters operating digital arrest scams, affecting over 330 victims and resulting in losses exceeding Rs 400 crore. The network is subject to over 163 FIRs across 20 states and Union Territories.