Under the terms of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) filed a Supplementary Prosecution Complaint on November 21, 2023, before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Rouse Avenue, New Delhi, against Cheruvathur Chakutty Thampi (C.C. Thampi), an N.R.I. based in the United Arab Emirates, and Sumit Chadha, a citizen of the United Kingdom. On December 22, 2023, the Honourable Special Court granted cognizance over the matter.
In accordance with section 51 of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, the Income Tax Department filed a Prosecution Complaint, which prompted the ED to launch an investigation.
After an ED inquiry, it was discovered that Sanjay Bhandari possessed a number of concealed overseas assets and income, including the following properties: 6 Grosvenor Hill Court and 12 Bryanston Square in London. In accordance with the PMLA, 2002, these assets are Proceeds of Crime. It has been discovered that C.C. Thampi and Sumit Chadha were involved in the usage and concealment of these proceeds from crime.
Prior to this, on June 1, 2020, a Prosecution Complaint was submitted against Anirudh Wadhwa, Sanjeev Kapoor, Sanjay Bhandari, and his three offshore companies. Following the issuance of the procedure, Sanjay Bhandari was deemed a Proclaimed Person by the Ld. Special Court. Sanjay Bhandari has also been ordered to be extradited by the UK’s Competent Authority, and he has appealed the decision to the Hon’ble High Court of the United Kingdom. Sanjay Bhandari’s Indian properties, valued at Rs. 26.55 crore, were attached in this case.
The ED probe also showed that Mr. Robert Vadra‘s close associate is C.C. Thampi. Through Sumit Chadha, Mr. Robert Vadra not only rebuilt the aforementioned house at 12 Bryanston Square, London, but he also made his home there. In addition, Mr. Robert Vadra and C. C. Thampi made financial transactions and bought a sizable portion of land in Faridabad. Additional research is currently being conducted.
