Money laundering case: ED seizes properties of Elvish Yadav, Fazilpuria
What's the story
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly seized properties belonging to popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav and renowned singer Fazilpuria, amid an ongoing money laundering investigation.
The probe is linked to their alleged involvement in the illegal trade of snake venom.
The attached assets are located in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and have been seized under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Case background
Investigation initiated after Yadav's arrest in venom trade case
The ED initiated its investigation following the arrest of Yadav by Noida Police earlier this year over his alleged involvement in the illicit snake venom trade.
This led to a case being registered under the PMLA.
The agency is now focused on tracing the financial trail linked to these alleged illegal activities, which are known to involve substantial amounts of money and raise serious concerns about wildlife trafficking.
Illegal trade
Snake venom trade: A lucrative and dangerous enterprise
Both Yadav and Fazilpuria have been interrogated by the ED regarding their alleged involvement in this case. Their statements have been officially recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
The illegal trade of snake venom is a highly profitable and hazardous business, often associated with organized crime.
It involves extracting venom from snakes for use in various unlawful activities such as producing traditional medicines and supplying various illicit markets.
History of case
Findings of the chargesheet filed by Noida Police
In April, Noida Police filed a 1,200-page chargesheet against Yadav and eight others in connection with the alleged snake venom-rave party case.
The chargesheet reportedly included evidence of smuggling exotic snakes and hosting rave events, with an additional 24 witnesses recorded.
The chargesheet also revealed that Yadav had been interacting with snake charmers.
The legal proceedings against him were initiated following a complaint from Gaurav Gupta, a representative of BJP MP Maneka Gandhi's organization, People for Animals.