In a development in the extradition process of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, currently based in Malaysia, the Enforcement Directorate is all set to invoke the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act against him.
Sources in the probe agency have told India Today that the ED is all set to file an application before the court to declare Zakir Naik 'fugitive’ under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.
Under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, effective action can be taken against economic offenders who have fled Indian jurisdiction. It provides for attachment and confiscation of property of fugitive economic offenders and disentitles them from defending any civil claim.
If declared fugitive, the ED will have the power to attach his overseas properties. The development will also help probe agencies in extradition of Zakir Naik from Malaysia.
Fresh non-bailable warrant against Zakir Naik
On Wednesday, a Mumbai court had issued a fresh non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Zakir Naik in the 2016 alleged money laundering case.
The warrant was issued by Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court judge PP Rajvaidya on a plea filed by the ED which is probing the case.
Last week, Naik had moved a plea through his lawyer seeking time for two months to appear before the court, which was rejected. The ED on Monday moved a fresh plea seeking the NBW.
The ED has claimed to have identified Rs 193.06 crore as the proceeds of crime in the 2016 case.
Who is Zakir Naik
Zakir Naik, a 53-year-old radical television preacher, left India in 2016 and subsequently moved to the largely Muslim Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency.
The ED booked him in 2016 on an FIR filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The controversial preacher is wanted by authorities for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches.
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