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2020 (4) TMI 732 - HC - Money LaunderingMoney Laundering - investment of proceeds of crime - Acquiring of Liquor shops - allegation that the investment represent the process of integration of the proceeds of the crime with the main stream economy - Section 5(1) of the PMLA - It has been submitted on behalf of appellant that there is no material whatsoever on the basis of which the competent authority/adjudicating authority could have reasons to believe that movable and immovable properties purchased by the appellants were derived or obtained from proceeds of crime generated from criminal activity relating to schedule offence - right to appeal. HELD THAT:- The predicate offence and the offence of money-laundering are two distinct and separate set of offences. The offence of money laundering is independent of schedule offences. As per section 24 of PML Act, the burden of proof that proceeds are legitimate is on the accused - It is the date of laundering which would be relevant and not the date of schedule offence. The laundering as used in Section 3 comprises of involvement in any process or activity by which the illicit money is being projected as untainted. Date of occurrence of scheduled offence is not relevant, rather, date on which laundering of money is committed is the relevant date. Even if money was acquired prior to amending Act but accused has committed offence under Section 3 of act subsequent to coming of the Act he can be proceeded for offence of money laundering i.e. his involvement in projecting illicit money to be untainted. Attachment proceeding and criminal proceedings are two parallel and independent proceedings and are not dependent upon each other. Properties which are found liable for attachment after final adjudication can be confiscated after conviction of accused under Section ¾ of PML Act - Against the order passed by the appellate tribunal the aggrieved party under Section-42 of the PMLA has further right of appeal before the High Court, as such the order passed by the appellate tribunal by which instead of deciding the appeal and pass a final order, keeping the appeal pending till disposal of criminal prosecution lodged for offences punishable under Sections 3/4 of the PMLA pending before the PMLA Court, Patna is not sustainable and liable to be set aside. The appellate tribunal is directed to decide the pending appeal of appellant within three months from the date of receipt/production of a copy of the order passed by this Court - Appeal disposed off.
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