Enforcement Directorate Alleges Robert Vadra’s Connection to London Property in Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has unveiled startling claims, alleging Robert Vadra, son-in-law of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, to have purportedly “renovated and stayed” at a London property linked to money laundering. This revelation emerges within the context of a case involving alleged middleman Sanjay Bhandari, who fled to the UK in 2016 and faced extradition approval to India in January this year. The ED’s filing of a fresh charge sheet in this case includes accusations against UAE-based NRI businessman C.C. Thampi and UK national Sumit Chadha, with ties drawn between Thampi and Vadra.

The ED’s assertions underscore the involvement of undisclosed foreign assets, particularly properties at 12 Bryanston Square and 6 Grosvenor Hill Court in London, labeling them as “proceeds of crime” under pertinent legislation. Notably, the agency alleges Vadra’s association with the Bryanston Square property, suggesting his involvement in its renovation through Sumit Chadha and even his residence there. Additionally, the probe points to substantial land purchases in Faridabad, near Delhi, attributed to both Vadra and Thampi, further intertwining their financial transactions.

Despite previous ED interrogations, Vadra has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The ED’s supplementary prosecution complaint, filed under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and recently acknowledged by a Delhi court, has prompted summonses for Thampi and Chadha. Notably, a non-bailable arrest warrant has been issued against Chadha, who has evaded the probe despite summons. The court has scheduled the matter for further hearings on January 29 next year, intensifying the spotlight on these unfolding allegations.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright