Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly linked to undisclosed assets in Monaco, according to the Pandora papers. While Putin is not mentioned directly in the documents, several of his close friends are, including a childhood buddy and a former sweetheart, reports claimed.&nbsp;

In September 2003, a secret transaction allegedly took place in Monaco. A flat was purchased for €3.6 million. However, the identity of the flat’s buyer was a mystery.

&nbsp;The official “purchaser” was an offshore company listed in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), named Brockville Development Ltd, reports said.&nbsp;

The company was in turn allegedly owned by two further Panama-registered entities – Sefton Securities and, later, Radnor Investments SA.&nbsp;

Through the Pandora papers, the buyer has been identified as a woman named Svetlana Krivonogikh.

It has been observed that in a time span of few years, Krivonogikh became extremely wealthy. She reportedly acquired a flat in a compound in her home city of St Petersburg, properties in Moscow, a yacht, and other assets, worth an estimated $100 million.

The woman has been romantically linked with Putin since he was still deputy mayor of her hometown of St. Petersburg and reportedly has a daughter with him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shakira-to-sachin-tendulkar-famous-names-emerge-in-the-investigation-of-pandora-papers-418007">Also read |&nbsp;Shakira to Sachin Tendulkar: Famous names emerge in the investigation of Pandora Papers</a>

Pieces of evidence have reportedly revealed that they travelled together on the same planes, for example, as Putin climbed towards power.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has not commented. Putin refrains from discussing his private life. He and his wife, Lyudmila, who have two daughters, Masha and Katerina, divorced in 2013.

This has a political angle too as Prince Albert, Monaco’s ruler, has good relations with Putin, according to reports.

Also, over the past two decades, Russian influence in Monaco has grown. Dominique Anastasis, a local lawyer was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “It has become Moscow-on-Sea. The mentality is to show off,”. Foreigners including rich Russians were attracted by the warm climate and the lack of tax, he said.&nbsp;

“Nobody asks where your money comes from. There’s no culture of checking. You don’t make a tax declaration.”

The Pandora papers obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) show that over 130 billionaires and celebrities from Russia, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico used shell companies and incognito bank accounts to buy secret assets and conduct secret financial transactions.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly linked to undisclosed assets in Monaco, according to the Pandora papers. While Putin is not mentioned directly in the documents, several of his close friends are, including a childhood buddy and a former sweetheart, reports claimed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly linked to undisclosed assets in Monaco, according to the Pandora papers. While Putin is not mentioned directly in the documents, several of his close friends are, including a childhood buddy and a former sweetheart, reports claimed. In September 2003, a secret transaction allegedly took place in Monaco. A flat was purchased for €3.6 million. However, the identity of the flat’s buyer was a mystery. The official “purchaser” was an offshore company listed in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), named Brockville Development Ltd, reports said. The company was in turn allegedly owned by two further Panama-registered entities – Sefton Securities and, later, Radnor Investments SA. Through the Pandora papers, the buyer has been identified as a woman named Svetlana Krivonogikh. It has been observed that in a time span of few years, Krivonogikh became extremely wealthy. She reportedly acquired a flat in a compound in her home city of St Petersburg, properties in Moscow, a yacht, and other assets, worth an estimated $100 million. The woman has been romantically linked with Putin since he was still deputy mayor of her hometown of St. Petersburg and reportedly has a daughter with him. Also read | Shakira to Sachin Tendulkar: Famous names emerge in the investigation of Pandora Papers Pieces of evidence have reportedly revealed that they travelled together on the same planes, for example, as Putin climbed towards power. The Kremlin has not commented. Putin refrains from discussing his private life. He and his wife, Lyudmila, who have two daughters, Masha and Katerina, divorced in 2013. This has a political angle too as Prince Albert, Monaco’s ruler, has good relations with Putin, according to reports. Also, over the past two decades, Russian influence in Monaco has grown. Dominique Anastasis, a local lawyer was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “It has become Moscow-on-Sea. The mentality is to show off,”. Foreigners including rich Russians were attracted by the warm climate and the lack of tax, he said. “Nobody asks where your money comes from. There’s no culture of checking. You don’t make a tax declaration.” The Pandora papers obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) show that over 130 billionaires and celebrities from Russia, the United States, India, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Mexico used shell companies and incognito bank accounts to buy secret assets and conduct secret financial transactions.

Pandora papers reveal Putin's alleged mistress has assets worth $100 million: Report

Several people took to streets to demand governments of the western countries to unfreeze assets of Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

People gathered in Herat, the western province of Afghanistan, where they called upon the United States (US) and other European Union (EU) countries to unfreeze assets of Afghanistan abroad.<o:p></o:p>

The group claimed that since people are facing extreme poverty and economic recession, especially since Taliban took over the country, foreign government should help the locals.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-doesnt-need-to-inform-taliban-over-afghan-counter-terrorism-airstrikes-said-department-of-defense-press-secretary-john-kirby-416166">US doesn't need to inform Taliban over Afghan counter-terrorism airstrikes, said Department of Defense press secretary John Kirby</a></o:p>

Several western countries decided to freeze assets of Afghanistan and have paused all financial aids for the country the day Taliban took control of the country.<o:p></o:p>

"International community should not be looking at us through the lens of enmity, since centuries it has been proven that the people of Afghanistan cannot be governed or ruled by intruders,"&nbsp;said Muhammad Amin. "It's not just me but everyone here that the international community should recognize the Islamic Emirate and that our 9.4 billion dollar which is Afghanistan's money which has been frozen abroad should be unfrozen so that the money can be used for the development of the country."

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This comes a few days after Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev urged western governments to unfreeze Afghanistan's assets kept abroad in foreign banks.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

The President urged governments to take the action to facilitate dialogue with the Taliban government in Kabul.<o:p></o:p>

"Considering the humanitarian situation, we propose looking into the possibility of lifting the freeze on Afghanistan's accounts in foreign banks," he said.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, women and young girls have also been taking to streets to call for equal rights for women. Several groups have been coming forward all around the world to raise their voices against <o:p></o:p>

Several people took to streets to demand governments of the western countries to unfreeze assets of Afghanistan. People gathered in Herat, the western province of Afghanistan, where they called upon the United States (US) and other European Union (EU) countries to unfreeze assets of Afghanistan abroad.

Several people took to streets to demand governments of the western countries to unfreeze assets of Afghanistan. People gathered in Herat, the western province of Afghanistan, where they called upon the United States (US) and other European Union (EU) countries to unfreeze assets of Afghanistan abroad. The group claimed that since people are facing extreme poverty and economic recession, especially since Taliban took over the country, foreign government should help the locals. Also read | US doesn't need to inform Taliban over Afghan counter-terrorism airstrikes, said Department of Defense press secretary John Kirby Several western countries decided to freeze assets of Afghanistan and have paused all financial aids for the country the day Taliban took control of the country. "International community should not be looking at us through the lens of enmity, since centuries it has been proven that the people of Afghanistan cannot be governed or ruled by intruders," said Muhammad Amin. "It's not just me but everyone here that the international community should recognize the Islamic Emirate and that our 9.4 billion dollar which is Afghanistan's money which has been frozen abroad should be unfrozen so that the money can be used for the development of the country." 1/2 Hundreds of people from different walks of life gathered in Herat, the western province of Afghanistan, calling on US and European countries to unfreeze the reserves of Afghanistan. They said, the people of Afghanistan are facing poverty and economic recession, there is — Suhail Shaheen. محمد سهیل شاهین (@suhailshaheen1) September 26, 2021 × This comes a few days after Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev urged western governments to unfreeze Afghanistan's assets kept abroad in foreign banks. The President urged governments to take the action to facilitate dialogue with the Taliban government in Kabul. "Considering the humanitarian situation, we propose looking into the possibility of lifting the freeze on Afghanistan's accounts in foreign banks," he said. Meanwhile, women and young girls have also been taking to streets to call for equal rights for women. Several groups have been coming forward all around the world to raise their voices against

Locals gather in Herat to urge US, EU to unfreeze Afghanistan's assets

Hong Kong authorities have frozen all assets of the pro-democracy activist and billionaire tycoon, Jimmy Lai a few weeks after he was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Lai, along with a few other activists was held for taking part in an unauthorised assembly during the 2019 mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled financial hub.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-sentences-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-to-12-months-prison-377963">Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison</a>

Along with all assets, the 73-year old’s shares in media houses such as Next Digital have also been forfeited and also "the property in the local bank accounts of three companies owned by him".

While many feared this ruling will bring a disruption in the city’s leading 'Apple Daily', which has often been looked up to as an upcoming pro-democracy institution. However, the organisation has dismissed these concerns.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-says-govt-could-intervene-in-bar-association-if-necessary-380676">Hong Kong leader says govt could intervene in Bar Association if necessary</a>

Apple Daily claimed that the asset freeze covered 7&nbsp;per cent of billionaire’s shared in Next Daily, but "the group and Apple Daily's operation and financial assets will not be affected," Apple Daily said in a statement.

This has come at a time when China has unveiled the new policy of "patriots rule Hong Kong"&nbsp;under which every individual standing for office will first be politically vetted and reduce the number of directly elected seats in the legislature to a small minority.

Hong Kong authorities have frozen all assets of the pro-democracy activist and billionaire tycoon, Jimmy Lai a few weeks after he was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Hong Kong authorities have frozen all assets of the pro-democracy activist and billionaire tycoon, Jimmy Lai a few weeks after he was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Lai, along with a few other activists was held for taking part in an unauthorised assembly during the 2019 mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese-ruled financial hub. Also read | Hong Kong court sentences media tycoon Jimmy Lai to 12 months prison Along with all assets, the 73-year old’s shares in media houses such as Next Digital have also been forfeited and also "the property in the local bank accounts of three companies owned by him". While many feared this ruling will bring a disruption in the city’s leading 'Apple Daily', which has often been looked up to as an upcoming pro-democracy institution. However, the organisation has dismissed these concerns. Also read | Hong Kong leader says govt could intervene in Bar Association if necessary Apple Daily claimed that the asset freeze covered 7 per cent of billionaire’s shared in Next Daily, but "the group and Apple Daily's operation and financial assets will not be affected," Apple Daily said in a statement. This has come at a time when China has unveiled the new policy of "patriots rule Hong Kong" under which every individual standing for office will first be politically vetted and reduce the number of directly elected seats in the legislature to a small minority.

Hong Kong freezes Jimmy Lai's assets and shares in media publications

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-official-autopsy-concludes-epstein-death-was-suicide-by-hanging-243556">Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein</a> wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday.

Epstein, a wealthy hedge fund manager who befriended many politicians and celebrities over the years, hung himself in prison on August 10 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges.

On August 8, he signed a last will and testament filed in the Virgin Islands, where he owned a private island, transferring his wealth into "The 1953 Trust," the Post reported.

It posted a copy of the will online showing that Epstein claimed he had more than $56.5 million in cash, equities of over $300 million as well as a fixed income of more than $14 million.

Epstein also listed six luxury properties, including in New York, Florida and Paris and more than $18 million in "aviation assets, automobiles and boats," the Post added.

The document did not name any listed beneficiaries. Bloomberg News reported that the move could make it more difficult for Epstein's alleged victims to sue his estate.

Several women have filed lawsuits seeking damages for sexual abuse.

Watch:&nbsp;Jeffrey Epstein 'Found Dead In Cell'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jeffrey-epstein-found-dead-in-cell-242144/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Epstein was accused of trafficking girls as young as 14 for sex. He denied the charges but faced up to 45 years in jail if found guilty.&nbsp;

The Post's report came as The New York Times released new details about Epstein's final days in Manhattan's high-security Metropolitan Correctional Center.

Citing sources, the newspaper said he hated his vermin-infested cell so much that he paid for lawyers to meet him for up to 12 hours a day in a different room.

He rarely washed and slept on the floor instead of his bed, they said.

The US Justice Department and the FBI are investigating how one of America's most high-profile prisoners was able to kill himself just weeks after an apparent earlier suicide attempt.

Epstein was convicted in Florida in 2008 of paying young girls for massages but served just 13 months in jail under a secret plea deal struck with the then state prosecutor.&nbsp;

Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday.

Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday. Epstein, a wealthy hedge fund manager who befriended many politicians and celebrities over the years, hung himself in prison on August 10 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. On August 8, he signed a last will and testament filed in the Virgin Islands, where he owned a private island, transferring his wealth into "The 1953 Trust," the Post reported. It posted a copy of the will online showing that Epstein claimed he had more than $56.5 million in cash, equities of over $300 million as well as a fixed income of more than $14 million. Epstein also listed six luxury properties, including in New York, Florida and Paris and more than $18 million in "aviation assets, automobiles and boats," the Post added. The document did not name any listed beneficiaries. Bloomberg News reported that the move could make it more difficult for Epstein's alleged victims to sue his estate. Several women have filed lawsuits seeking damages for sexual abuse. Watch: Jeffrey Epstein 'Found Dead In Cell' Epstein was accused of trafficking girls as young as 14 for sex. He denied the charges but faced up to 45 years in jail if found guilty. The Post's report came as The New York Times released new details about Epstein's final days in Manhattan's high-security Metropolitan Correctional Center. Citing sources, the newspaper said he hated his vermin-infested cell so much that he paid for lawyers to meet him for up to 12 hours a day in a different room. He rarely washed and slept on the floor instead of his bed, they said. The US Justice Department and the FBI are investigating how one of America's most high-profile prisoners was able to kill himself just weeks after an apparent earlier suicide attempt. Epstein was convicted in Florida in 2008 of paying young girls for massages but served just 13 months in jail under a secret plea deal struck with the then state prosecutor.

Jeffrey Epstein wrote will two days before death, puts $578 million in assets into trust with unnamed beneficiaries: Report

A top anti-corruption official in Thailand has been accused of concealing millions of dollars in assets including an upscale London apartment, according to the agency tasked with tackling endemic graft in the kingdom.

National Anti-Corruption Commission deputy secretary Prayat Puangjumpa amassed several undeclared assets in his wife's name, among them a $6.9 million apartment in the British capital's Kensington neighbourhood, the agency said.

"He intended not to disclose six items belonging to his wife," NACC spokesman Worawit Sukboon said Thursday.&nbsp;

The remaining assets were worth a total of $400,000, according to a nine-month investigation by the commission, which said it will ask the attorney general to indict Prayat.&nbsp;

Prayat told local media the charges were a misunderstanding and that his wife was holding the apartment for other people.

The case had raised public concerns and risked further damaging the reputation of anti-corruption investigators in the country, said Sunai Phasuk of Human Rights Watch.&nbsp;

Many in Thailand's upper ranks of power are dogged by some history of graft, fuelled by tainted officials, underground mafias and shady patronage networks.

Thailand's civilian premier and former junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha has vowed to stamp out corruption, but critics say that accusations and prosecutions are often fuelled by political infighting.

Prayut's own administration was tarnished in late 2017 when his deputy Prawit Wongsuwan, dubbed the "Rolex General", came under fire for a luxury watch collection worth an estimated $1.2 million.&nbsp;

The NACC dismissed the case last December, citing "no grounds" for corruption as the watches were lent to Prawit by a wealthy businessman.&nbsp;

A top anti-corruption official in Thailand has been accused of concealing millions of dollars in assets including an upscale London apartment, according to the agency tasked with tackling endemic graft in the kingdom.

A top anti-corruption official in Thailand has been accused of concealing millions of dollars in assets including an upscale London apartment, according to the agency tasked with tackling endemic graft in the kingdom. National Anti-Corruption Commission deputy secretary Prayat Puangjumpa amassed several undeclared assets in his wife's name, among them a $6.9 million apartment in the British capital's Kensington neighbourhood, the agency said. "He intended not to disclose six items belonging to his wife," NACC spokesman Worawit Sukboon said Thursday. The remaining assets were worth a total of $400,000, according to a nine-month investigation by the commission, which said it will ask the attorney general to indict Prayat. Prayat told local media the charges were a misunderstanding and that his wife was holding the apartment for other people. The case had raised public concerns and risked further damaging the reputation of anti-corruption investigators in the country, said Sunai Phasuk of Human Rights Watch. Many in Thailand's upper ranks of power are dogged by some history of graft, fuelled by tainted officials, underground mafias and shady patronage networks. Thailand's civilian premier and former junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha has vowed to stamp out corruption, but critics say that accusations and prosecutions are often fuelled by political infighting. Prayut's own administration was tarnished in late 2017 when his deputy Prawit Wongsuwan, dubbed the "Rolex General", came under fire for a luxury watch collection worth an estimated $1.2 million. The NACC dismissed the case last December, citing "no grounds" for corruption as the watches were lent to Prawit by a wealthy businessman.

Thai anti-corruption official accused of hiding millions in assets

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's son Nakul, who Tuesday filed his nomination for the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat, owns movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 660.01 crore.

The figure, mentioned in his affidavit filed along with the nomination papers, is over five times the assets of his parents, which as per MP CM Nath's affidavit stood at over Rs 124 crore.

Nakul Nath, a businessman-turned-politician, holds movable assets worth over Rs 615.93 crore while that of his wife Priya is over Rs 2.30 crore, as per the affidavit.

The value of his immovable assets is over Rs 41.77 crore while his wife does not own any immovable asset, as per the affidavit.

The affidavit stated that Nakul owned these properties in his own name as well as jointly and also through family-controlled companies and trusts. 
Nakul and Priya Nath don't own any vehicles, the affidavit stated.

He owns 896.669 grams of gold bars, 7.630 kilogrammes silver, 147.58 carat diamond and stone jewellery worth over Rs 78.45 lakh while his wife possesses over 270.322 grams gold, 161.84 carat diamond and stone jewellery valued at over Rs 57.62 lakh, the affidavit said.

As per Income Tax Return filed for the year 2017-18, Nakul Nath has shown annual income of over Rs 2.76 crore while his wife's income stood at over Rs 4.18 crore.

He also has deposits in various bank accounts and shares in firms and institutes including Institute of Management Technology (IMT) in its Dubai and Sharjah campus and Span Air Private Ltd.

The affidavit stated that Nakul and his brother jointly own a total of 7.82 acres of land in Chhindwara district.

The poll debutant also shared his five social media accounts including his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Blogger.

Nakul is contesting from Chhindwara constituency, where he is up against the BJP's Natthan Shah, a tribal leader and former MLA.

Nakul has a degree in Business Administration from Bay State College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. 
&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's son Nakul, who Tuesday filed his nomination for the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat, owns movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 660.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's son Nakul, who Tuesday filed his nomination for the Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat, owns movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 660.01 crore. The figure, mentioned in his affidavit filed along with the nomination papers, is over five times the assets of his parents, which as per MP CM Nath's affidavit stood at over Rs 124 crore. Nakul Nath, a businessman-turned-politician, holds movable assets worth over Rs 615.93 crore while that of his wife Priya is over Rs 2.30 crore, as per the affidavit. The value of his immovable assets is over Rs 41.77 crore while his wife does not own any immovable asset, as per the affidavit. The affidavit stated that Nakul owned these properties in his own name as well as jointly and also through family-controlled companies and trusts. Nakul and Priya Nath don't own any vehicles, the affidavit stated. He owns 896.669 grams of gold bars, 7.630 kilogrammes silver, 147.58 carat diamond and stone jewellery worth over Rs 78.45 lakh while his wife possesses over 270.322 grams gold, 161.84 carat diamond and stone jewellery valued at over Rs 57.62 lakh, the affidavit said. As per Income Tax Return filed for the year 2017-18, Nakul Nath has shown annual income of over Rs 2.76 crore while his wife's income stood at over Rs 4.18 crore. He also has deposits in various bank accounts and shares in firms and institutes including Institute of Management Technology (IMT) in its Dubai and Sharjah campus and Span Air Private Ltd. The affidavit stated that Nakul and his brother jointly own a total of 7.82 acres of land in Chhindwara district. The poll debutant also shared his five social media accounts including his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Blogger. Nakul is contesting from Chhindwara constituency, where he is up against the BJP's Natthan Shah, a tribal leader and former MLA. Nakul has a degree in Business Administration from Bay State College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Lok Sabha poll 2019: Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath's son Nakul assets worth over Rs 660 crore

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Tuesday said it has attached 13 assets located in Jammu and Kashmir in a terror financing case against Pakistan-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nia-court-issues-non-bailable-warrants-against-hafiz-saeed-syed-salahuddin-175174">terrorist Syed Salahuddin</a>, the chief of the globally banned outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

The central probe agency issued a provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to attach the properties worth Rs 1.22 crore, which it said belonged to one Mohammad Shafi Shah, a resident of Bandipora, and six other residents of the state who allegedly worked for the terror outfit.

The ED said it filed a criminal case of money laundering in this instance after taking cognisance of a charge sheet filed against Salahuddin, Shah and others under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Action (UAPA).

"Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the most active terror outfit in Kashmir, has been responsible for funding terrorist and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Headed by Syed Salahuddin, its self-styled commander based out of Rawalpindi in Pakistan, it funds terrorism on Indian soil through monies organised by a trust called JKART (Jammu and Kashmir Affectees Relief Trust) in alleged connivance with ISI and other Pakistan-based entities,"&nbsp; 
the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement.

It said probe found that "terror funds" were being sent to India through hawala and other channels.

Shah is lodged in the Tihar jail in the national capital in connection with an alleged terror funding case, it said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Tuesday said it has attached 13 assets located in Jammu and Kashmir in a terror financing case against Pakistan-based terrorist Syed Salahuddin, the chief of the globally banned outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Tuesday said it has attached 13 assets located in Jammu and Kashmir in a terror financing case against Pakistan-based terrorist Syed Salahuddin, the chief of the globally banned outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. The central probe agency issued a provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to attach the properties worth Rs 1.22 crore, which it said belonged to one Mohammad Shafi Shah, a resident of Bandipora, and six other residents of the state who allegedly worked for the terror outfit. The ED said it filed a criminal case of money laundering in this instance after taking cognisance of a charge sheet filed against Salahuddin, Shah and others under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Action (UAPA). "Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, the most active terror outfit in Kashmir, has been responsible for funding terrorist and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Headed by Syed Salahuddin, its self-styled commander based out of Rawalpindi in Pakistan, it funds terrorism on Indian soil through monies organised by a trust called JKART (Jammu and Kashmir Affectees Relief Trust) in alleged connivance with ISI and other Pakistan-based entities," the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement. It said probe found that "terror funds" were being sent to India through hawala and other channels. Shah is lodged in the Tihar jail in the national capital in connection with an alleged terror funding case, it said.

Enforcement Directorate attaches 13 assets in J&K in terror funding probe against Syed Salahuddin

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday attached assets worth Rs 177 crore owned by Kanpur-based Rotomac Global in connection with its money laundering case.&nbsp

The Rotomac Global group has been involved in an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 3,695 crore.&nbsp

The agency said it has issued a provisional order yesterday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for attachment of properties "owned by Ms Rotomac Global Private Limited and its directors located at Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Ahmedabad and Gandhi Nagar (Gujarat) and Mumbai (Maharashtra) valuing Rs 177 crore."&nbsp

Previously on February 27, Income Tax (IT) Department filed 12 prosecution cases against Rotomac Global under various sections of the IT Act, 1961 in connection with the alleged loan default.

It alleged that these assets were the "proceeds of crime" of the illegal act of money laundering.&nbsp

The ED probe revealed, the agency said in a statement, that Ms Rotomac Global Private Limited "indulged in merchanting trade with limited number of buyers and sellers and it used to receive back the discounted LC (letters of credit) amount from the overseas beneficiary after deduction of 1.5-2 per cent commission by them either directly into the accounts of Rotomac group companies or into the accounts of overseas companies controlled by owner Vikram Kothari."&nbsp

This discounted LC amount, it said, thereafter has been used by the firm for "other business activities" such as FDR (fixed deposit receipts), iron ore purchase and investment in real estate.&nbsp

The CBI had earlier registered an FIR against Kotharis who allegedly owe Rs 754.77 crore to the Bank of India, Rs 456.63 crore to the Bank of Baroda, Rs 771.07 crore to the Indian Overseas Bank, Rs 458.95 crore to the Union Bank of India, Rs 330.68 crore to the Allahabad Bank, Rs 49.82 crore to the Bank of Maharashtra and Rs 97.47 crore to the Oriental Bank of Commerce.

The ED probe was aimed at finding out if the funds obtained through the alleged fraud were laundered and if the proceeds of the crime were subsequently used by the accused to create illegal assets and black money.&nbsp 
&nbsp

The Rotomac Global group has been involved in an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 3,695 crore

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday attached assets worth Rs 177 crore owned by Kanpur-based Rotomac Global in connection with its money laundering case. The Rotomac Global group has been involved in an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 3,695 crore. The agency said it has issued a provisional order yesterday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for attachment of properties "owned by Ms Rotomac Global Private Limited and its directors located at Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Ahmedabad and Gandhi Nagar (Gujarat) and Mumbai (Maharashtra) valuing Rs 177 crore." Previously on February 27, Income Tax (IT) Department filed 12 prosecution cases against Rotomac Global under various sections of the IT Act, 1961 in connection with the alleged loan default. It alleged that these assets were the "proceeds of crime" of the illegal act of money laundering. The ED probe revealed, the agency said in a statement, that Ms Rotomac Global Private Limited "indulged in merchanting trade with limited number of buyers and sellers and it used to receive back the discounted LC (letters of credit) amount from the overseas beneficiary after deduction of 1.5-2 per cent commission by them either directly into the accounts of Rotomac group companies or into the accounts of overseas companies controlled by owner Vikram Kothari." This discounted LC amount, it said, thereafter has been used by the firm for "other business activities" such as FDR (fixed deposit receipts), iron ore purchase and investment in real estate. The CBI had earlier registered an FIR against Kotharis who allegedly owe Rs 754.77 crore to the Bank of India, Rs 456.63 crore to the Bank of Baroda, Rs 771.07 crore to the Indian Overseas Bank, Rs 458.95 crore to the Union Bank of India, Rs 330.68 crore to the Allahabad Bank, Rs 49.82 crore to the Bank of Maharashtra and Rs 97.47 crore to the Oriental Bank of Commerce. The ED probe was aimed at finding out if the funds obtained through the alleged fraud were laundered and if the proceeds of the crime were subsequently used by the accused to create illegal assets and black money.

ED attaches Rs 177 crore assets of Rotomac global

Sidelined AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, who is contesting the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, today declared movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 74 lakh, a tad higher than his earlier declaration in April.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bye-poll-on-december-21-counting-on-december-24-24991">Dhinakaran, who had contested the April 12 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bye-poll-on-december-21-counting-on-december-24-24991">bypoll</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rk-nagar-bye-poll-on-december-21-counting-on-december-24-24991"> to the constituency as then AIADMK </a>(Amma) candidate backed by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, had at that time declared assets valued at Rs 68 lakh.

In his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission along with his nomination papers today, Dhinakaran said his movable and immovable assets totalled Rs 74,17,807, with movable assets valued at Rs 57.44 lakh.

His movable assets were Rs 16.73 lakh, the 53 year-old former MP said.

Further, the gross total value of movable assets of his spouse and a dependent was around Rs 6.87 crore and Rs 1.17 crore, respectively, he declared in the affidavit.

Among the cases taken cognisance of by court was the one regarding the alleged bribery of an Election Commission official as part of the Two Leaves dispute, he said.

Delhi Police had earlier filed the case against him and the sidelined leader is now on bail, with the other accused being one Sukesh Chandrasekar.

Four FIR&#39;s were pending against him on other matters, Dhinakaran added.

Dhinakaran&#39;s challenger and AIADMK nominee E Madhusudhanan declared movable and immovable assets valued at over Rs 1.49 crore.

The 75 year-old veteran, who took on Dhinakaran as the candidate of then rebel O Panneerselvam camp in April, also mentioned he had no pending cases against him.

While the value of his movable property stood at Rs 12.53 lakh, that of his immovable property was Rs 1.37 crore, he said in his affidavit. He had no liabilities, he added.

The party veteran has been fielded once again to face the bypoll, this time as the AIADMK candidate.

Last week, the Election Commission had allotted the &#39;Two Leaves&#39; symbol to the Palaniswami-led faction, as both his led camp as well as that of Dhinakaran had staked claim for it.

Palaniswami and Panneerselvam had merged their respective led factions in August this year.

Meanwhile, DMK&#39;s N Maruthu Ganesh, a political greenhorn, declared assets valued at Rs 12.57 lakh.

A B.Com, LLB graduate,Maruthu Ganesh said in his affidavit that his immovable assets were valued at Rs 10 lakh, even as his liabilities to two private persons stood at a similar sum.

A case under Section 4(b) of Tamil Nadu open places (prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1959, was pending against him.

All the three persons had earlier in the day filed their nominations to contest the prestigious RK Nagar bypoll, necessitated following the death of sitting MLA and then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in December last.

Dhinakaran, who had contested the April 12 bypoll to the constituency as then AIADMK (Amma) candidate backed by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, had at that time declared assets valued at Rs 68 lakh

Sidelined AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, who is contesting the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, today declared movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 74 lakh, a tad higher than his earlier declaration in April. Dhinakaran, who had contested the April 12 bypoll to the constituency as then AIADMK (Amma) candidate backed by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, had at that time declared assets valued at Rs 68 lakh. In his affidavit submitted to the Election Commission along with his nomination papers today, Dhinakaran said his movable and immovable assets totalled Rs 74,17,807, with movable assets valued at Rs 57.44 lakh. His movable assets were Rs 16.73 lakh, the 53 year-old former MP said. Further, the gross total value of movable assets of his spouse and a dependent was around Rs 6.87 crore and Rs 1.17 crore, respectively, he declared in the affidavit. Among the cases taken cognisance of by court was the one regarding the alleged bribery of an Election Commission official as part of the Two Leaves dispute, he said. Delhi Police had earlier filed the case against him and the sidelined leader is now on bail, with the other accused being one Sukesh Chandrasekar. Four FIR's were pending against him on other matters, Dhinakaran added. Dhinakaran's challenger and AIADMK nominee E Madhusudhanan declared movable and immovable assets valued at over Rs 1.49 crore. The 75 year-old veteran, who took on Dhinakaran as the candidate of then rebel O Panneerselvam camp in April, also mentioned he had no pending cases against him. While the value of his movable property stood at Rs 12.53 lakh, that of his immovable property was Rs 1.37 crore, he said in his affidavit. He had no liabilities, he added. The party veteran has been fielded once again to face the bypoll, this time as the AIADMK candidate. Last week, the Election Commission had allotted the 'Two Leaves' symbol to the Palaniswami-led faction, as both his led camp as well as that of Dhinakaran had staked claim for it. Palaniswami and Panneerselvam had merged their respective led factions in August this year. Meanwhile, DMK's N Maruthu Ganesh, a political greenhorn, declared assets valued at Rs 12.57 lakh. A B.Com, LLB graduate,Maruthu Ganesh said in his affidavit that his immovable assets were valued at Rs 10 lakh, even as his liabilities to two private persons stood at a similar sum. A case under Section 4(b) of Tamil Nadu open places (prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1959, was pending against him. All the three persons had earlier in the day filed their nominations to contest the prestigious RK Nagar bypoll, necessitated following the death of sitting MLA and then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in December last.

RK Nagar bypoll: AIADMK leader Dhinakaran declares Rs 74 lakh as assets

Gold held steady on Wednesday as bullion found little impetus from weaker equities as the dollar rose to a four-month high on the back of better-than-expected US housing data. 
 
Asian stocks eased early on Wednesday after a record run on Wall Street showed signs of petering out. 
 
Global risk appetite, which has recovered rapidly from the Brexit shock late in June, received a sobering reminder after the International Monetary Fund cut its global growth forecasts for the next two years on Tuesday, citing uncertainty over Britain&#39;s looming exit from the EU. 
 
Spot gold was up 0.1 per cent at $1,332.81 an ounce at 0334 GMT. It closed at $1,331.73 on Tuesday. 
 
US gold was up 0.1 per cent at $1,333.30 an ounce. 
 
&quot;The probability of a US Federal rate hike has increased as of today. Some expectations of a rate hike have come back,&quot; said OCBC Bank analyst Barnabas Gan. 
 
&quot;There are still some headwinds to growth and this may lift safe-haven demand should the implications of Brexit start to unwind.&quot; 
 
Gold, which has risen 25 per cent this year, is highly sensitive to rising rates, which increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as bullion, while boosting the dollar, in which it is priced. 
 
&quot;Technically, it looks like gold&#39;s recent weakness is slowly coming to a halt with a base being formed around $1,325 - $1335,&quot; MKS analyst James Gardiner said in a note. 
 
Spot gold is biased to fall to $1,313 per ounce after completing its consolidation within a small wedge, as per Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao. 
 
The dollar firmed in early Asian trading on Wednesday, as strong US data and rising expectations that the Bank of Japan will muster additional easing steps sent the dollar index to four-month highs.&nbsp; 
 
US housing starts rose more than expected in June as construction activity increased broadly, but downward revisions to the prior months&#39; data pointed to a sector treading water in the second quarter. 
 
Among other precious metals, spot silver, having ended lower in the four previous sessions, was up 0.1 per cent to $19.91 an ounce. 
 
Spot platinum was down 0.4 per cent at $1,084.50, while palladium, which touched an eight-and-half-month high on Tuesday, was down 0.7 per cent at $651.70. 
 
(Reuters)

Gold is highly sensitive to rising rates as it increases the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as bullion

Gold held steady on Wednesday as bullion found little impetus from weaker equities as the dollar rose to a four-month high on the back of better-than-expected US housing data. Asian stocks eased early on Wednesday after a record run on Wall Street showed signs of petering out. Global risk appetite, which has recovered rapidly from the Brexit shock late in June, received a sobering reminder after the International Monetary Fund cut its global growth forecasts for the next two years on Tuesday, citing uncertainty over Britain's looming exit from the EU. Spot gold was up 0.1 per cent at $1,332.81 an ounce at 0334 GMT. It closed at $1,331.73 on Tuesday. US gold was up 0.1 per cent at $1,333.30 an ounce. "The probability of a US Federal rate hike has increased as of today. Some expectations of a rate hike have come back," said OCBC Bank analyst Barnabas Gan. "There are still some headwinds to growth and this may lift safe-haven demand should the implications of Brexit start to unwind." Gold, which has risen 25 per cent this year, is highly sensitive to rising rates, which increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as bullion, while boosting the dollar, in which it is priced. "Technically, it looks like gold's recent weakness is slowly coming to a halt with a base being formed around $1,325 - $1335," MKS analyst James Gardiner said in a note. Spot gold is biased to fall to $1,313 per ounce after completing its consolidation within a small wedge, as per Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao. The dollar firmed in early Asian trading on Wednesday, as strong US data and rising expectations that the Bank of Japan will muster additional easing steps sent the dollar index to four-month highs. US housing starts rose more than expected in June as construction activity increased broadly, but downward revisions to the prior months' data pointed to a sector treading water in the second quarter. Among other precious metals, spot silver, having ended lower in the four previous sessions, was up 0.1 per cent to $19.91 an ounce. Spot platinum was down 0.4 per cent at $1,084.50, while palladium, which touched an eight-and-half-month high on Tuesday, was down 0.7 per cent at $651.70. (Reuters)

Gold holds steady as equity rally loses steam

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