Mon, Mar 17, 2014

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Money-laundering-case-filed-against-drug-dealer/articleshow/32174809.cms

PANAJI: In a first of its kind case in Goa, the enforcement directorate (ED) has filed a complaint against alleged drug dealer Sadanand alias Bhui Chimulkar, a resident of Anjuna, before a designated NDPS court to confiscate property owned by him and valued at around Rs 1.10 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

ED filed the complaint before the NDPS court, Mapusa, which is a designated court for prevention of money laundering cases. ED sources said this is the first complaint filed under Section 45 of PMLA, 2002, in Goa.

ED sources claim that the investigation carried out and the evidence collected, established that Chimulkar has committed an offence of money laundering to the extent of Rs 1.10 crore.

"Chimulkar has been utilizing the proceeds of crime in purchase of immovable properties, LIC policies, bank deposits etc, by investing proceeds of crime in purchase of immovable properties," ED sources said. The sources also alleged that Chimulkar has projected the tainted money as untainted money.

Based on a first information report filed by the anti narcotics cell (ANC) of Goa police, ED investigated the case under PMLA, 2002.

In January 2010, ANC had allegedly caught Chimulkar for illegal possession of 90 ecstasy tablets worth Rs 90,000, 26g MDMA powder valued at Rs 1,35,000, 17g cocaine wroth Rs 85,000 and 6ml liquid LSD valued at Rs 1,20,000.

Chimulkar was also found with cash of Rs 3 lakh in different denominations, foreign currency comprising US dollars 4,920, British pounds 350, Euros 650, Australian dollars 250, Dirhams 210, a car, gold ornaments of 402g worth Rs 6,90,000. ANC had registered the case under various section of NDPS Act.

ED sources said they are investigating other such cases and are on the verge of attaching more properties and other assets amassed by others.