On inputs that investors were duped for more than ₹300 crore by promising unrealistic returns through the scheme in Jharkhand, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches in three cities in Uttar Pradesh.

The search operation was part of a money-laundering investigation into the same Ponzi scheme of Jharkhand.

PTI report said at least 20 premises in Noida, Ghaziabad and Meerut are being searched in a case related to Maxizone ponzi scheme that was allegedly operated by two people — Chandra Bhushan Singh and Priyanka Singh.

The two accused, according to the same PTI report, are currently lodged in jail under judicial custody after they were arrested by the Jharkhand Police a few months back. The Ranchi zonal office of the federal probe agency is conducting the search operation.