The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Cochin Zonal Office, has provisionally attached properties worth ₹1.44 crore in connection with a money laundering case related to the misappropriation of United Nurses Association (UNA) funds.
The order was issued under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, following a first information report registered by the Crime Branch Police Station, Thrissur, against Jasmine Shah, former UNA National/International President, his wife Shabna MA and other office bearers, including Shoby Joseph, Nidhin Mohan, The Biju N Janaspal v AK, MV of Paul’s indictment, MV. Indian Penal Code relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating, breach of trust, forgery and destruction of evidence. The police have since filed a chargesheet in the Thrissur Chief Judicial Magistrate Court.
According to the ED, Mr. Shah, while serving as UNA National President, colluded with his wife and associates to embezzle membership dues and organizational funds between 2017 and 2019. The funds were allegedly diverted through cash withdrawals, inter-account transfers and routing to personal accounts, which was in violation of UNA regulations. Investigators said the proceeds were layered and used for personal benefits, including vehicle and flat EMI payments, as well as other personal expenses. Fabricated committee minutes were allegedly used to project them as legitimate expenses.
The investigation identified proceeds of crime of around ₹1.44 million. Since much of the money was withdrawn in cash, hidden or consumed, the ED attached assets of equivalent value. These include five immovable properties and four fixed deposits/moveable assets in the names of Mr. Shah, Ms. Shabna, Mr. Paul and Mr. Joseph. The attached assets include land and a flat in Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur and Idukki along with fixed deposits, ED sources said.
Published – 11 March 2026 11:00 PM IST
