A Thai businessman accused of helping the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) procure arms and ammunition through an international network has been sentenced to six years in prison by a special NIA court in New Delhi.
The Special Exclusive Court for NIA Cases at the Rouse Avenue District Courts also imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on Willy Naruenartwanich, who was described by the National Investigation Agency as an intermediary in the alleged arms procurement conspiracy.
Conviction and Sentence
The court convicted Naruenartwanich under Sections 120B and 122 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act before pronouncing the sentence. The conviction followed a trial in a case that has been before the courts for years.
The Alleged International Network
According to the NIA investigation, Naruenartwanich, who was based in Bangkok, played a key role in facilitating an international arrangement to procure lethal arms and ammunition for the NSCN(IM).
Investigators alleged that he worked with Anthony Shimray, identified as the outfit’s chief arms procurer, and helped facilitate negotiations with a Chinese arms and ammunition company. The proposed procurement and transshipment deal was valued at around 1.2 million US dollars, according to the investigation.
The NIA alleged that the weapons were intended to strengthen the outfit’s armed cadres and support terrorist activities, and that the acts amounted to preparations for waging war against the Government of India.
A Case Registered in 2010
The case was registered by the NIA in January 2010 following an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The sentencing marks a fresh development in the long-running case concerning the alleged international network through which the NSCN(IM) sought to procure arms from foreign sources.
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