ED files chargesheet against Robert Vadra in money-laundering case
What's the story
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against businessman Robert Vadra. The chargesheet is in connection with a money laundering case involving UK-based arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The chargesheet has been submitted to Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court, which is likely to take up the matter on December 6. The ED alleges that Vadra is connected to foreign properties and financial transactions linked to Bhandari, who is already accused of possessing undisclosed assets abroad.
Statement recorded
Vadra's statement recorded under PMLA
Officials said Vadra's statement under the Prevention of MoneyLaundering Act (PMLA) was recorded in July 2023. The ED's investigation is based on income-tax raids on Bhandari in 2016, which allegedly revealed emails and documents linking him to Vadra and his associates. In July, Vadra was questioned by the agency in connection with the case, which involves two properties held by Bhandari at 19, Bryanston Square and Grosvenor Hill Court, as well as 13 Bourdon Street in London.
Ongoing investigation
ED probes land transactions involving Vadra, Bhandari
The ED claims that these are Vadra's benami properties, which he acquired in collusion with Bhandari. The agency had also claimed that Vadra stayed in the Bryanston Square property a few times during his London visits. The agency had earlier attached several properties in India linked to Vadra or his associates as proceeds of crime from Bhandari's offshore dealings.
Rejection of charges
Vadra rejects charges, calls investigation politically driven
Bhandari, who left India in 2016, was declared a fugitive economic offender by a Delhi court earlier this year. Vadra has repeatedly denied the allegations, calling the investigation politically motivated. He has maintained that he does not own any property in London and questioned the ED's interpretation of documents seized during the investigation.