HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times

New Delhi, June 10, 2011

http://www.hindustantimes.com/ED-to-attach-kidney-scamster-s-Oz-property/Article1-708051.aspx

In a first-of-its-kind case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has secured an order to attach property in Australia under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The property belongs to Amit Kumar, accused of illegally transplanting over 150 kidneys while operating from a house in Gurgaon in 2008.

The CBI had investigated the case and filed a chargesheet against him along with eight other accused. The ED was entrusted with the responsibility of tracking properties or other assets made procured by Kumar with earnings from the transplants of Indian as well as foreign nationals. According to a statement given by Kumar to ED officials, he used to take Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per transplant.

During the course of its investigation, the ED came to know about a property acquired by Kumar along with his wife Poonam in Australia, which was situated on Plot Number 5, Grand Ridge Way, Sunbury. The total cost of the property was A$667,940.

The title of the land was transferred in the name of Kumar and his wife in 2006. The ED identified the property as "crime proceed" under the PMLA and passed a provisional attachment order.

The PMLA adjudicating authority has affirmed the order. The ED will send this information to Australian authorities, who helped it confirm details of the property.