New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted searches at three locations in Mumbai, including the residence of social activist Teesta Setalvad.

The CBI officials conducted searches at the office of Sabrang Communications and Publishing along with the premises of Setalvad, her husband Javed Anand and associate Gulam Mohammed Peshimam.

The agency took the step after it registered a case on July 8 against Setalvad, Anand and Mohammed for criminal conspiracy and illegal acceptance of foreign contributions for their company, Sabrang Communications and Publishing Pvt. Ltd. (SCPPL).

The three have been accused of diverting foreign funds to SCPPL by violating the provision of the Foreign Contribution and Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010.

The trio has also been booked under various sections of FCRA 2010 and Protection of Civil Rights Act.

"The allegations are of criminal conspiracy for illegal acceptance of foreign contribution without registration and prior permission from the ministry of home affairs," an official told IANS.

Anand, Setalvad and Mohammed are directors of SCPPL, based in Santa Cruz in Mumbai.