Uncovering a trail of illegal timber smuggling that allegedly devastated protected forest zones in Gujarat, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached immovable assets worth around Rs. 11.3 crore in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the unlawful trade of Khair wood.
The Zonal Office of the ED issued a Provisional Attachment Order (PAO) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, targeting 14 properties located in Godhra district. The action forms part of an ongoing investigation against Arif Ali Amjad Ali Khan and others, the agency said on Thursday.
According to media reports, the money laundering case stems from a First Offence Report registered by the Range Forest Officer of the Mandvi South Range under the Surat Forest Division. The original case pertains to the illegal smuggling of Khair wood in violation of multiple provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
According to the ED, the underlying criminal investigation revealed that accused persons, including Mustaq Adam Tasiya and Mohd Tahir Ahmed Hussain, were allegedly involved in the unauthorised cutting of Khair trees from wildlife sanctuaries and forest areas across several districts of Gujarat. These included Vyara, Tapi, Surat, Valsad, Navsari and Narmada, all of which fall within ecologically sensitive zones.
Investigators allege that the trees were felled without mandatory permissions from forest authorities and the timber was subsequently transported across state borders for sale in the grey market. The operation is believed to have caused extensive damage to protected forests and wildlife habitats while generating large amounts of illicit income.
The ED said its probe found that Mustaq Adam Tasiya and Mohd Tahir Ahmed Hussain, acting in coordination with their associates, were repeatedly engaged in the illegal felling and sale of Khair wood over an extended period. The proceeds from these activities were allegedly laundered and used to acquire properties and other assets.
The agency further noted that the illegal trade led to substantial revenue losses for the government, with the proceeds of crime estimated to run into several crores of rupees. Based on the financial trail, the ED identified and provisionally attached assets valued at approximately Rs. 11.3 crore under the provisions of the PMLA.
Further investigation is ongoing to trace additional assets and identify other individuals who may have played a role in the smuggling network, the agency added.
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