New Delhi, Mar 29 (IANS): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday said that they have attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 7.54 crore belonging to R. Selvaraj and his family members in connection with a Prevention of Money Laundering case pertaining to Red Sanders smuggling case.

The total Proceeds of Crime acquired by the accused in this case is Rs 2.74 crore.

The ED initiated money laundering investigation on the basis of the FIR and charge sheet filed by the Andhra Pradesh Police and Commissionerate of Customs, Chennai.

Selvaraj was also detained under COFEPOSA and had been charged with sections 135, 132 of Customs Act and Wildlife Protection Act, Biodiversity Act, and Arms Act.

The ED learnt in the investigation that Selvaraj had been a habitual offender indulging in unlawful activities related to smuggling of red sanders, sandalwood and earned proceeds of crime.

He invested in immovable properties and as paid-up capital, unsecured loans etc in his related company Sanjana Metalware India Pvt Ltd.

"This was done to layer the proceeds of crime and to claim them as untainted assets. Investigation established that the said assets were illegally acquired from the proceeds of crime," said the ED official.

The ED has attached properties worth Rs 2.74 crore. Present market value of these assets is 7.54 crore. Further investigation in the matter is underway.