ED probing money laundering charges in case against IFFCO MD

Case pertains to alleged import of fertilizers and raw materials at inflated rates

The Enforcement Directorate is probing money laundering charges in connection with a case recently registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation against the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Limited (IFFCO) managing director and others for alleged import of fertilizers and raw materials at inflated rates. “Well before the CBI instituted the case, we had launched an inquiry under the Foreign Exchange Management Act in the same matter and have gathered substantial evidence related to the fertilizer scam,” said a senior ED official. It is alleged that IFFCO MD U.S. Awasthi was involved in the scam along with his United States-based sons Amol and Anupam, the then Indian Potash Limited managing director Pravinder Singh Gahlaut and his son Vivek, who also lives in the United States.