The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the multi-crore IMA group ponzi scam on Wednesday seized 303 kg of fake gold bars hidden under the swimming pool in the sixth floor of a building in Bengaluru belonging to group owner Mohammed Mansoor Khan.
The ponzi scheme operator Mohammed Mansoor Khan used to show the huge quantity of gold to the people and entice them to invest in his company, the SIT said in a release.
Before leaving the country, Mansoor Khan hid the fake gold bars under the swimming pool of his building.
The SIT raided the building and seized the 5,880 gold bars weighing 303 kg, the release added.
Ponzi scheme scam prime accused and IMA Jewellers founder Mansoor Khan was arrested last month in New Delhi by the Enforcement Directorate.
Mansoor Khan, who had escaped to Dubai, flew back to India and was arrested on arrival at the Delhi airport.
The Enforcement Directorate had attached assets worth Rs 209 crore, including 20 immovable properties and bank deposits, in connection with the case.
The ED had filed the money laundering case against the IMA group of companies and Mohammed Mansoor Khan after reports emerged that he went underground fearing investments worth crores of about 40,000 investors have tanked.
The SIT has arrested over 25 people.
Those arrested include 12 directors of the IMA, a corporator, a corporator’s husband, former deputy commissioner of Bengaluru urban district and assistant commissioner of Bengaluru North sub-division.
It recently questioned Congress MLA BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan in connection with the case.
The SIT wanted to question disqualified Congress MLA R Roshan Baig but he did not appear before it seeking time.
The major breakthrough in the IMA Gold multi-crore cheating case for the ED and the SIT came as a lookout notice on Khan was issued to all concerned, including the Interpol, through the Union Home Ministry.