ED Seeks Court Nod To Confiscate Properties Of Arms Dealer Sanjay Bhandari

Difficulties continue to mount for UK-based arm dealer Sanjay Bhadari as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) moved to Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court seeking permission to confiscate his properties in India and abroad.

The action follows Bhandri’s designation as a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) under the Economic Offenders Act, 2018.

The ED argued that all properties linked to Bhandari, whether acquired individually or indirectly through companies related to him, are liable to confiscation.

The agency believes it is necessary to seize the properties of Bhandari so he can not escape legal actions by staying abroad.

The ED also informed the court that no third party raised any objection to Bhandari’s listed properties, clearing the way for seizure.

Bhandari fled to the UK in 2015 after the income tax department raided his house on the accusation of money laundering by concealing foreign income worth Rs 655 crore and evading taxes amounting to Rs 196 crore.

The London High Court rejected India’s extradition request. However, Indian agencies continue to pursue the case through financial and Judicial channels to fix accountability.

Maninder Singh, appearing for Bhandari, argued that the ED’s petition does not meet the necessary conditions of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, and the court is set to hear his petition in this regard on August 8.

Bhandari’s name also appeared in the ongoing ED investigation into the money laundering case against Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi.

Also Read: Prajwal Revenna Sentenced To Life Imprisonment In Sexual Harassment Case