ED attaches chimpanzees, marmosets under money laundering probe in Bengal | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

ED attaches chimpanzees, marmosets under money laundering probe in Bengal

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Sep 21, 2019 09:34 PM IST

An attachment by the ED renders an asset out of bounds for its owner and it can be further confiscated by the agency after the Adjudicating Authority of the PMLA, a quasi-judicial body, approves the attachment within 180 days.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached three chimpanzees and four marmosets as part of a money laundering probe against an alleged wildlife smuggler of West Bengal, the probe agency said in a statement Saturday.

The case pertains to West Bengal government’s complaint against alleged smuggler Supradip Guha for “illegal possession” of wild animals.(HT image)
The case pertains to West Bengal government’s complaint against alleged smuggler Supradip Guha for “illegal possession” of wild animals.(HT image)

The anti-money laundering probe agency said in a statement that the first of its kind attachment under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has enabled zoo authorities in Kolkata to retain the animals as the alleged smuggler, Supradip Guha, was trying to take them away.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

An attachment by the ED renders an asset out of bounds for its owner and it can be further confiscated by the agency after the Adjudicating Authority of the PMLA, a quasi-judicial body, approves the attachment within 180 days.

The case pertains to West Bengal government’s complaint against Guha for illegal possession of wild animals.

The ED said the state police had booked Guha for forgery after he was found using a forged permission letter to illegally transport the animals purportedly issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden, West Bengal.

The ED statement said its probe found Guha was running an organised wildlife smuggling racket.

“He recorded contradictory statements before the customs authorities and wildlife authorities to evade action from both the departments,” the agency has alleged.

“Guha also obtained fake certificates regarding birth of the three chimpanzees in India,” ED said.

The zoo authorities had requested the ED action enabling them to retain the wild animals.

“Supradip Guha was attempting to take back the wildlife from the zoo by claiming right over them by using false statements and documents as aforesaid however the actions by ED has frustrated his efforts,” it said.

The three chimpanzees have become a major point of attraction for the visitors of the Alipore zoological garden in Kolkata and hence, a source of revenue too, the agency said.

It said the seven animals are valued at 81 lakh, with each chimpanzee worth 25 lakh and a marmoset, a species of small long-tailed South American monkeys, about 1.5 lakh.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, CAA Live Updates along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On