Elvish Yadav, Fazilpuria Charged by ED for Money Laundering Over Wildlife Videos

In a significant crackdown on wildlife-related violations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint against popular YouTuber Elvish Yadav, Haryanvi singer Fazilpuria (Rahul Yadav), and others for alleged money laundering linked to the use of protected snakes and an iguana in YouTube content.

The charge sheet, filed by the ED’s Jaipur Zonal Office, names Sky Digital India Pvt Ltd and its Director Gurkaran Singh Dhaliwal among the accused. They are alleged to have monetised videos featuring live protected species for commercial gain, in violation of Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, a scheduled offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Investigations highlighted two videos:

1. “32 Bore”, a Haryanvi music video on Fazilpuria’s channel featuring Elvish Yadav.

2. “Fazilpuria Bhai Ke Shoot Pe Russian Se Mulakat Ho Hi Gayi”, a vlog on Elvish Yadav’s channel featuring live snakes and an iguana.

The ED traced and secured proceeds from monetisation, including Rs 50 lakh paid to Fazilpuria by Sky Digital, Rs 1.2 lakh lifetime YouTube revenue for “32 Bore,” and Rs 84,000 from Elvish Yadav’s vlog. These funds were deemed proceeds of crime under the PMLA.

As part of the investigation, the ED provisionally attached assets, including:

• Agricultural land in Bijnor, UP worth Rs 50 lakh (Fazilpuria)

• Fixed deposits of Rs 1.24 lakh (Sky Digital) and Rs 84,000 (Elvish Yadav)

According to the charge sheet, Fazilpuria earned and possessed criminal proceeds, Sky Digital “knowingly assisted” in distribution and monetisation, and Dhaliwal facilitated content payments. Elvish Yadav uploaded and monetised videos, generating Rs 84,000 identified as proceeds of crime.

The ED concluded that all accused were actively involved in acquisition, possession, and use of criminal proceeds, thus committing money laundering under Section 3 of the PMLA, punishable under Section 4 of the Act.

This action marks a stern reminder for content creators and media houses on compliance with wildlife protection laws and anti-money laundering regulations.