ED Summons Dino Morea Again, To Be Questioned In Rs 65 Crore Mithi River Scam Case
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Previously, Dino Morea was also questioned by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police in connection with the scam.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Bollywood actor Dino Morea once again for another round of questioning in connection with the Rs 65-crore Mithi River desilting money laundering case. The actor, who was recently seen in The Royals, has been asked to appear before the agency to record his statement. As reported by the Free Press Journal, besides Dino, his brother, Santino Morea, has also been summoned by ED. More details are awaited.
The summons come days after ED conducted a nearly 14-hour-long search at Dino Morea's Bandra residence. Apart from the actor's Mumbai residence, ED also carried out simultaneous search operations at 14 other locations across Mumbai and Kochi. Dino's brother's houses and the premises of contractors and middlemen were also searched by the ED. The investigation is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Previously, Dino Morea was also questioned by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police in connection with the scam. According to EOW sources and as quoted in the Free Press Journal, the actor was called in for questioning after investigators found several phone calls between him, his brother Santino Morea, and key accused Ketan Kadam. The content and purpose of these calls are now being examined.
During the investigation, EOW found that ₹18 lakh was transferred to UBO Ridez, a company where Santino Morea- brother of Bollywood actor Dino Morea – serves as a director. According to police officials, the funds were transferred by Ketan Kadam, one of the prime accused in the case. 'We are investigating the reason for the transfer of funds from Ketan Kadam's account to UBO Ridez," an officer from the EOW told The Times Of India.
Ketan Kadam is associated with Vodar India LLP and was arrested earlier this year for his alleged involvement in the scam related to the desilting of the Mithi River. Investigators noted that both Vodar India LLP and UBO Ridez- an electric cart company- operated out of the same address near Famous Studio in Worli, Mumbai.
What Is The Mithi River Scam Case?
The Mithi River desilting scam involves alleged financial misconduct in renting silt pusher machines and dredging equipment by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). This ₹65 crore scam is under investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police. According to the EOW, contractors and BMC officials conspired to inflate equipment rental costs, resulting in a wrongful loss to the government and public. The investigation has led to the arrest of several individuals, including contractors and intermediaries.
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