IMPHAL, April 4: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Imphal Sub-Zonal Office, has taken a significant step towards the restitution of properties in a high-profile Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case involving Sanasam Jacky Singh and other officials of the Lamjingba Group of Companies. This move follows the filing of seven First Information Reports (FIRs) by the Manipur Police.

According to the ED’s investigation, the Lamjingba Group of Companies, led by Sanasam Jacky Singh, operated a fraudulent “investment/deposit scheme” that lured over 15,000 investors with promises of exorbitantly high returns. The scheme was later exposed as a scam, defrauding investors of approximately Rs 600 Crore. The proceeds from the fraudulent activities were allegedly used by the accused to acquire a large number of properties.

Following the investigation, the ED arrested Sanasam Jacky Singh and provisionally attached both movable and immovable assets worth Rs 63.52 Crore. A Prosecution Complaint (No. 02/2023) was filed on March 20, 2023, against Singh, M. Robindro Singh, the Lamjingba Group of Companies, and other individuals implicated in the scam. The ED has also sought the confiscation of the attached properties, which includes an under-construction hotel.

In a key development, charges have been formally framed against the accused, signaling substantial progress in the legal process.

Separately, a writ petition titled Wahengbam Pratap Singh & Ors. Vs Union of India was filed before the High Court of Manipur. The petition sought the restoration of properties attached under the PMLA, claiming ownership and legal rights. In its order, the Hon’ble High Court directed the Special Court (PMLA), Imphal East, to evaluate and consider the claims for restitution in accordance with the relevant legal provisions.

In response, a group of investors filed a petition before the PMLA Court, Imphal East, requesting the restoration of properties that had been attached for auction. Supporting the investors’ position, the ED submitted a reply in favor of their claims.

As a result, the Special Judge (PMLA), Imphal East, issued an order on March 21, 2025, instructing the publication of notices in two newspapers—one in a vernacular language with statewide circulation and another in English. This directive is in line with Rule 3(A) of the Prevention of Money Laundering (Restoration of Property) Rules, 2016, and is aimed at inviting claims from all interested parties.