YouTuber Elvish Yadav Questioned Again by ED in Money Laundering Investigation

YouTuber Siddharth Yadav, known as Elvish Yadav, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the second time on Thursday. The interrogation is part of a money laundering investigation linked to the suspected use of snake venom as recreational drugs at parties he hosted, according to official sources. The 26-year-old's statement was recorded for about seven hours at the ED's zonal office on Ashok Marg.

Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny

Yadav provided documents related to his personal financial transactions and assets to the investigating officer. The central agency had initiated this case in May, invoking charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This action followed an FIR and chargesheet filed by the Gautam Buddh Nagar Noida district police in Uttar Pradesh against him and associated individuals.

The ED is examining alleged proceeds of crime and illicit funds used for organising rave or recreational parties. Rahul Yadav, also known as Rahul Fazilpuriya, a singer from Haryana with alleged links to Elvish Yadav, was also questioned by the ED in this case.

Initial Arrest and Charges

Elvish Yadav was initially arrested on March 17 by Noida Police. The arrest was part of an investigation into the suspected use of snake venom as a recreational drug at parties he allegedly hosted. He was booked under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and Indian Penal Code (IPC).

In November last year, an FIR was lodged at Noida's Sector 49 Police Station based on a complaint from a representative of animal rights NGO People for Animals (PFA). Elvish Yadav was among six people named in this FIR. Five other accused, all snake charmers, were arrested in November and later granted bail by a local court.

Seizures and Investigations

The five snake charmers were apprehended from a banquet hall in Noida on November 3 last year. During the arrest, nine snakes, including five cobras, were rescued from their possession. Additionally, 20 ml of suspected snake venom was seized. However, police stated that Yadav was not present at the banquet hall during the raid.

In April, Noida Police filed an extensive chargesheet exceeding 1,200 pages. The charges included snake trafficking, use of psychotropic substances, and organising rave parties.

The ongoing investigation continues to scrutinise financial transactions and potential links to illicit activities involving snake venom.