NEW DELHI (India CSR): The Directorate of Enforcement’s investigations in various natural resource industries have helped to unearth proceeds of crime amounting to crores of rupees. With the agency’s continued efforts, it is hoped that such illegal activities will be curbed, and the environment and wildlife will be better protected.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), an agency under the Ministry of Finance, has been actively investigating cases related to money laundering in various natural resource industries during the year 2022-23.
These include sand mining, coal mining, illegal mining of other natural resources, illegal logging, and wildlife and environment-related crimes.
Illegal Sand Mining Cases
As of November 30, 2022, the Directorate has taken up investigations in 08 cases related to illegal sand mining. The investigations have resulted in the identification of proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 209.30 crore, out of which proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 205.80 crore have been attached or seized.
Additionally, two prosecution complaints have been filed in these cases, which are at different stages of trial.
Illegal Coal Mining Cases
The Directorate has also taken up cases related to illegal coal mining, where proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 198.72 crore have been attached.
Five prosecution complaints have been filed in these cases, which are at different stages of trial, and one accused has been declared as a proclaimed offender.
Illegal Mining of Other Natural Resources
The agency has also investigated 39 cases related to the illegal mining of other natural resources.
The investigations have resulted in the identification of proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 2724.91 crore, out of which proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 2693.71 crore stands attached or seized.
Additionally, nine prosecution complaints have been filed in these cases, which are at different stages of trial.
Environmental and Wildlife-Related Crimes
Apart from the natural resource industries, the Directorate has also investigated cases related to environmental and wildlife crimes.
In total, the agency has taken up investigations in 17 cases related to environmental crimes and 42 cases related to wildlife crime cases.
The investigations have resulted in the attachment of proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 8.39 crore and Rs. 122.55 crore, respectively, in environmental crime and wildlife crime cases. Seven prosecution complaints have been filed in these cases, which are at different stages of trial.
| Industry | Number of Cases Investigated | Proceeds of Crime Identified | Amount Attached or Seized | Prosecution Complaints Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illegal Sand Mining | 08 | Rs. 209.30 crore | Rs. 205.80 crore | 02 |
| Illegal Coal Mining | – | Rs. 198.72 crore | – | 05 |
| Illegal Mining of Other Natural Resources | 39 | Rs. 2724.91 crore | Rs. 2693.71 crore | 09 |
| Environmental Crimes | 17 | Rs. 8.39 crore | – | 07 |
| Wildlife Crime Cases | 42 | Rs. 122.55 crore | – | 07 |
Note: The numbers and facts presented in this table are based on the information provided by The Directorate of Enforcement as of November 30, 2022.
