Varanasi Police Cracks Down on Hawala Network in Codeine Smuggling Syndicate
In a significant breakthrough, the Kotwali police in Varanasi have dealt a major blow to a hawala network operating under the codeine cough syrup smuggling syndicate led by kingpin Shubham Jaiswal. Since Tuesday, authorities have intensified their efforts, resulting in multiple arrests and substantial recoveries.
Arrests and Seizures in the Hawala Operation
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kotwali Vijay Pratap Singh confirmed on Wednesday that Vaibhav Jaiswal, a close and trusted aide of Shubham Jaiswal, has been apprehended. Additionally, six members of his hawala network were arrested, including Ashok Chaudhary, Mohit Sarswa, Ram Avatar, and Girdhari from Rajasthan, along with Santosh Giri of Ghazipur and Om Prakash Kushwaha of Ballia.
From these individuals, police recovered hawala money totaling Rs 19.66 lakh, three currency-counting machines, ten mobile phones, and damaged currency notes in various denominations. This evidence is crucial for ongoing investigations into the syndicate's illicit activities.
Investigation Uncovers Vaibhav Jaiswal's Role
Police uncovered Vaibhav's involvement in the codeine syrup episode while scrutinizing bank account details and transactions of previously arrested syndicate members. After Shubham Jaiswal's name was exposed in the smuggling case, Vaibhav went into hiding. However, progress by a special investigation team revealed that Vaibhav was Shubham's closest confidant.
Even after Shubham absconded, the two continued to communicate via the FaceTime app. Vaibhav was responsible for rotating money earned from codeine syrup smuggling to locations and people designated by Shubham. His hawala operations were conducted on a larger scale from West Bengal, and he also incorporated liquor trade into Shubham's syndicate, managing the allotment of numerous liquor shops.
Expanded Police Action and Network Details
Following Vaibhav's arrest and interrogation before his jail transfer on Tuesday, police collected detailed information about the hawala network members. ACP Singh noted that four of the six arrested hawala members hailed from Rajasthan and were operating from the Jaitpura locality in Varanasi to run their trade alongside other associates.
Beyond targeting close aides and syndicate members, police have intensified efforts to attach their properties and freeze bank accounts. This action commenced after the 30-day period for the accused to appear before the court expired. Formal procedures to seek court orders in this regard are now underway.
Broader Context of the Codeine Syrup Scam
Shubham Jaiswal, suspected to be hiding in Dubai or Nepal, has avoided transactions from his own bank accounts to prevent tracing his location and arrest. Investigators believe that funds for his expenses are being funneled through his hawala network.
The Uttar Pradesh police's actions in the codeine syrup scam, involving thousands of crores of rupees, have led to the arrest of Shubham's father, Bhola Jaiswal, along with several key players and syndicate members. Properties of many accused have been forfeited, and the investigation is progressively exposing the hawala network used for fund rotation within the syndicate.
This crackdown marks a pivotal step in dismantling the financial infrastructure supporting the illicit codeine trade, highlighting law enforcement's commitment to tackling organized crime in the region.
