ED Names Robert Vadra in Fresh PMLA Chargesheet

NEW DELHI- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday filed a supplementary prosecution complaint—treated as a chargesheet—naming businessman Robert Vadra as an accused in a long-running money laundering case linked to fugitive UK-based arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

The complaint was placed before a special PMLA court at Delhi’s Rouse Avenue complex, which is expected to take up the matter on December 6, 2025. This is the second chargesheet against Vadra this year, following his addition as an accused in July 2025 in a separate case concerning alleged irregularities in a 2008 land deal in Haryana’s Shikohpur.

Origins of the Case

The present case stems from a 2016 Income Tax Department investigation into Bhandari, who left India that same year and was later declared a fugitive economic offender. He is accused of receiving kickbacks in defence procurement deals—most notably in connection with Pilatus aircraft—and allegedly routing funds through offshore shell companies to acquire undisclosed foreign assets.

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According to the ED, Bhandari purchased a luxury apartment at 12 Bryanston Square, London, in 2009. Investigators allege that the property was renovated using funds purportedly supplied by Vadra and executed according to his instructions. Digital evidence—including emails and documents—recovered during 2016 raids is said to reference Vadra and his aide Manoj Arora in relation to the refurbishment work.

The agency further claims that Vadra “beneficially used” the flat by residing there during visits to the UK, despite the ownership being formally linked to Bhandari-associated entities. The ED has also examined two additional London properties, including one at Grosvenor Hill Court, and possible links to land transactions within India.

Investigation Progress

Vadra was questioned for several hours in July 2025, during which his statement under the PMLA was recorded. Officials said he was confronted with documentary evidence relating to the London properties but was unable to provide satisfactory clarifications.

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The PMLA case was formally registered in February 2017, based on an Income Tax prosecution under the Black Money Act, 2015. Previous chargesheets filed in 2020 and a supplementary one in 2023 discussed the London property renovations but did not name Vadra.

Thursday’s filing marks the second supplementary prosecution complaint, adding Vadra as the ninth accused. Others named include Bhandari, Manoj Arora, and entities associated with the alleged transfers, such as Offset India Solutions and Santech International.

Bhandari’s extradition to India, approved earlier by a UK court, remains stalled amid ongoing legal challenges.

Political Reactions and Implications

Vadra has repeatedly denied any ownership or control of foreign properties, describing earlier investigations as politically motivated. There was no immediate response from Vadra or the Congress on the ED’s latest complaint.

The development adds to the string of ongoing investigations involving Vadra, including cases linked to land transactions in Haryana and Bikaner. The Congress has often accused central agencies of selectively targeting opposition figures, while the ED maintains that its actions are based strictly on financial evidence and legal requirements.

The court will now consider whether to take cognisance of the supplementary complaint and issue summons where necessary.