ED arrests Heera Group associate in money laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Nazneen Ansari alias Abida in connection with the Heera Group money laundering probe and its alleged investment fraud case.

According to the agency, Nazneen Ansari was arrested by the Hyderabad regional office on June 2 under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. She was produced before a special court and the investigation is on.

The ED probe stems from several FIRs registered by the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh police against Nohera Shaik, the Heera Group of Companies and others for allegedly extorting large sums from investors through fraudulent investment schemes.

Investigators alleged that Ansari worked as Nohera Shaik’s personal assistant and played an active role in the activities of the ED-attached properties during the investigation. The agency alleged that it was involved in holding attached properties, collecting rent from them, encouraging new investment in the Heera group and deceiving officials.

According to the ED, investigations revealed that Ansari and others allegedly owned and occupied properties designated as proceeds of crime and were involved in their continued commercial exploitation.

The agency further claimed that despite being aware of the ongoing investigation against the Heera Group, it continued to be involved in soliciting investments from potential investors.

The ED said that evidence gathered during the investigation indicated that Ansari knowingly assisted in activities related to possession, use, concealment and generation of proceeds of crime thereby attracting the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The agency also alleged that although several attached properties were auctioned in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court, Ansari was aware of the court orders and deliberately obstructed the auction process by directing staff not to facilitate inspections of certain disturbed properties.

The ED said the arrest underscored that attempts to evade court proceedings, interfere with investigations or thwart auction proceedings would attract legal action. Further investigation is underway.

There was no immediate response from Ansari or Heera Group representatives regarding the allegations.

Published – 08 Jun 2026 19:05 IST