ED chargesheets Elvish Yadav, Fazilpuria for wildlife offence-linked money laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against popular singer Fazilpuria (Rahul Yadav) and YouTuber Elvish Yadav.

The anti-money laundering agency has found that the two allegedly used protected wild animals, such as snakes and iguanas in their videos, which violates the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

According to ED probe, the song '32 Bore' released on Fazilpuria's YouTube channel and the vlog 'Fazilpuria Bhai Ke Shoot Pe Russian Se Mulakat Ho Hi Gayi' posted on Elvish Yadav's channel, reportedly featured live snakes and iguanas.

The ED found that Fazilpuria generated, acquired, possessed and used the proceeds of crime (POC).

The singer now faces money laundering charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

On the other hand, Elvish Yadav, owner of the Elvish Yadav Vlogs YouTube channel, allegedly uploaded a video featuring protected wildlife and generated a revenue of Rs 84,000, which has been classified as POC and seized by the agency.

The ED has also attached properties derived from POC, including an agricultural land worth Rs 50 lakh belonging to Fazilpuria, a fixed deposit of Rs 1,24,067.52 with Sky Digital, fixed deposit of Rs 84,000 with ICICI Bank in Elvish Yadav’s name.

The agency concluded that the duo used protected wildlife for commercial gain and used the POC knowingly. Both are charged under Section 3 of PMLA and face punishment under Section 4.

Yadav had earlier made headlines in connection with the Noida snake venom case.

The YouTuber was arrested by Noida Police in March 2024. The case was lodged under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and for criminal conspiracy under section 120B of the Indian Penal Code, they said. He was later granted bail in the matter.