The accused, Tazagul Xasatov, claimed that she does not know English and requires the dictionary for both recreation and better understanding of charges levelled against her in the scam, which came to light early last year
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A special court in Mumbai has granted permission to a Ukrainian woman, arrested in a money laundering case linked to multi-crore Torres investment fraud, to use an English-to-Russian translation dictionary while in judicial custody, reported news agency PTI.
Accused cites language barrier while seeking dictionary
The accused, Tazagul Xasatov, claimed that she does not know English and requires the dictionary for both recreation and better understanding of charges levelled against her in the scam, which came to light early last year, reported PTI.
PMLA court allows plea after considering legal rights
Special PMLA court judge R B Rote, earlier this month, granted her plea to use an English-to-Russian translation dictionary, emphasising the accused has a right to have the knowledge of allegations made against her.
ED opposes request, flags investigation concerns
During the hearing, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed her plea, arguing she has resided in India for a substantial period and is familiar with both Hindi and English.
Agency warns dictionary may aid co-accused
Providing a dictionary could potentially assist other accused individuals or cause "disturbance in the investigation", submitted the central agency, which is probing the money laundering case, reported PTI.
Court finds no material to deny relief
Judge Rote, however, held that "no prejudice would be caused" by providing the wordbook and there was no record of evidence to justify denying the request.
Jail authorities directed to allow dictionary use
The court then directed jail authorities to permit Xasatov to use the requested English-to-Russian dictionary/book, reported PTI.
Torres Jewellery firm accused of cheating investors
Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd, which operated under the brand name Torres Jewellery, is alleged to have cheated its customers after collecting a "huge" amount of cash from them in lieu of the sale of Moissanite diamonds and other jewellery, reported PTI.
Funds allegedly laundered through hawala and crypto
Instead of using the said cash for its legitimate business purposes, it was routed through hawala operators and later converted into USDT cryptocurrency, according to police.
ED probe originates from Navi Mumbai police FIR
The ED case stems from a police FIR filed in Navi Mumbai.
(With inputs from PTI)
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