Kochi: Enforcement Directorate(ED) in its probe, identifies assets belonging to recruitment agency that scammed nurses for crores of rupees. Assets belonging to PJ Mathew, Selin Mathew and Thomas Mathew - the owners of Mathew International - comprise land and properties worth Rs 7..51 crores.
In 2015, the Protector of Emirates in Kochi arraigned PJ Mathew and A Adolas, following which CBI took over the case. The properties hit up on now were found as ED completed its investigations.
900 nurses were charged exorbitantly for recruitment to Kuwait. Sums between Rs 18.5 to 20 lakhs were collected from each in place of mere Rs 20.000 per mirse. Roughly 205.72 crore rupees was amassed illegally in this manner and the money was sent overseas through havala. Owner of Kochi-based Ideal Forex, Muhammad Aslam, helped with havala-transportation of the money. ED seized Rs 6,42,660 lakhs in Indian money and Rs 24.92 lakhs in foreign currency during raid at the Kochi outfit.
Selin’s flat in Mumbai, Thomas Mathew’s 2 cents of land in Ambalapuzha, PJ Mathew’s Bemz car worth 24.92 lakh, foreign currency and 4.55 crore rupees seized by Income Tax, were also confiscated by ED.
