ED files prosecution complaints in Lakshadweep sea cucumber poaching cases

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kochi Zonal Office, has filed prosecution complaints before the Special Court for PMLA Cases, Kavaratti in Lakshadweep, against four persons in two separate cases relating to the alleged illegal hunting, possession, and attempted trade of protected sea cucumbers in 2018 and 2020.

Both complaints were filed under Sections 44 read with 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). The first case was registered against T.P. Mukbeel, 51, of Agatti in Lakshadweep, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, for illegal hunting, possession, and attempted trade of sea cucumbers, which are Schedule-I species accorded the highest level of protection, equivalent to flagship species such as tigers.

The Agatti police had seized 52 dried sea cucumbers, weighing 8.42 kg, from the terrace of the accused’s house on November 2, 2018. The specimens were scientifically identified by the Zoological Survey of India and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute as protected species under Schedule-I of the Act. Sea cucumbers are highly valued in international markets, particularly in East and Southeast Asia, as a delicacy and traditional medicine product. Their illegal trade remains a serious concern in Lakshadweep due to high demand and lucrative black-market prices.

The ED initiated investigation after registering an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in January 2021. The acts of illegal acquisition, possession, processing, and concealment of the protected species with intent to trade were found to satisfy the ingredients of money laundering under Section 3 of PMLA, including possession and attempted projection as untainted property.

Second incident

In the second case, Salmanul Faris Theeku Keelapura, Irfanudheen Uriyoda, and Ramesh Khan N.P. alias Ramees Neliyampura were booked in connection with the seizure of 219 sea cucumbers at the western lagoon of Suheli Cheriyakara Island on January 11, 2020. The accused were allegedly caught poaching, processing, and intending to sell the contraband for commercial gain. The seizure included 173 dead specimens (salt-preserved after intestine removal) and 46 live specimens, weighing a total of 234 kg, along with a boat.

Although no cash, bank credits, or other assets could be traced or attached, the investigation claimed to have established the accused’s direct involvement in deriving proceeds of crime, paving the way for trial alongside the ongoing wildlife prosecution before the Judicial First Class Magistrate, Andrott.