A team of three ED (Enforcement Directorate) officers will question <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-seeks-permission-to-arrest-p-chidambaram-in-inx-media-case-255835">former Union Minister P Chidambaram</a> in Tihar Jail on Wednesday morning in connection with INX media money laundering case. 
 
This came after a special court here allowed the law enforcement agency to interrogate Chidambaram for 30 minutes in connection with the matter. 
 
Special CBI Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar allowed the ED to interrogate the Congress leader and arrest him if deemed necessary. 
 
The ED officers who will interrogate Chidambaram are Mahesh Gupta, Sandeep Thapliyal and Dainik Jain. 
 
It also directed Tihar Jail authorities to make necessary arrangements and provide a secure place to interrogate Chidambaram in the prison. 
 
The special judge gave the directions based on a plea filed by the ED seeking permission to arrest the senior Congress leader in the case. 
 
Meanwhile, the court also dismissed the application moved by the lawyer of Chidambaram challenging the court's earlier order of the production of the senior Congress leader. 
 
In his application, Chidambaram had stated that a warrant issued on Friday seeking his production for arrest and remand for investigation was illegal and contrary to the rules. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-chidambaram-to-be-produced-before-delhi-court-today-enforcement-directorate-to-seek-custody-255736">Chidambaram is currently in judicial custody in Tihar Jail</a> in a corruption case related to the alleged scam being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His remand is slated to end on October 17. 
 
The case pertains to an FIR registered by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by Chidambaram when he was the Finance Minister.

A team of three ED (Enforcement Directorate) officers will question former Union Minister P Chidambaram in Tihar Jail on Wednesday morning in connection with INX media money laundering case.

A team of three ED (Enforcement Directorate) officers will question former Union Minister P Chidambaram in Tihar Jail on Wednesday morning in connection with INX media money laundering case. This came after a special court here allowed the law enforcement agency to interrogate Chidambaram for 30 minutes in connection with the matter. Special CBI Judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar allowed the ED to interrogate the Congress leader and arrest him if deemed necessary. The ED officers who will interrogate Chidambaram are Mahesh Gupta, Sandeep Thapliyal and Dainik Jain. It also directed Tihar Jail authorities to make necessary arrangements and provide a secure place to interrogate Chidambaram in the prison. The special judge gave the directions based on a plea filed by the ED seeking permission to arrest the senior Congress leader in the case. Meanwhile, the court also dismissed the application moved by the lawyer of Chidambaram challenging the court's earlier order of the production of the senior Congress leader. In his application, Chidambaram had stated that a warrant issued on Friday seeking his production for arrest and remand for investigation was illegal and contrary to the rules. Chidambaram is currently in judicial custody in Tihar Jail in a corruption case related to the alleged scam being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His remand is slated to end on October 17. The case pertains to an FIR registered by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by Chidambaram when he was the Finance Minister.

INX media case: Three Enforcement Directorate officers to question P Chidambaram at Tihar Jail

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday sought permission from a Delhi court to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-chidambaram-to-be-produced-before-delhi-court-today-enforcement-directorate-to-seek-custody-255736">arrest P Chidambaram and interrogate him</a> in custody in connection with the INX Media money-laundering case.

"This is pertaining to the offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). There is already a finding that the custodial interrogation is necessary," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the agency, told the special CBI court.

Mehta, in the last hearing, had said that Chidambaram's custodial interrogation is required as the agency wants to seek information related to the shell company abroad and his 17 bank accounts.

Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Chidambaram, however, opposed the agency's application with respect to the procedure being followed by them.

Chidambaram is currently in judicial custody in Tihar jail in the corruption case related to the alleged scam being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His remand is slated to end on October 17.

The case pertains to an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-ed-likely-to-arrest-p-chidambaram-on-monday-255323">alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board</a> (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by P Chidambaram when he was the Union Finance Minister.

The ED is investigating the alleged offence of money laundering that arose out of the FIR.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday sought permission from a Delhi court to arrest P Chidambaram and interrogate him in custody in connection with the INX Media money-laundering case.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday sought permission from a Delhi court to arrest P Chidambaram and interrogate him in custody in connection with the INX Media money-laundering case. "This is pertaining to the offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). There is already a finding that the custodial interrogation is necessary," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the agency, told the special CBI court. Mehta, in the last hearing, had said that Chidambaram's custodial interrogation is required as the agency wants to seek information related to the shell company abroad and his 17 bank accounts. Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Chidambaram, however, opposed the agency's application with respect to the procedure being followed by them. Chidambaram is currently in judicial custody in Tihar jail in the corruption case related to the alleged scam being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His remand is slated to end on October 17. The case pertains to an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 by P Chidambaram when he was the Union Finance Minister. The ED is investigating the alleged offence of money laundering that arose out of the FIR.

Enforcement Directorate seeks permission to arrest P Chidambaram in INX media case

A Delhi court on Thursday allowed home-cooked food to be provided to senior Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-chidambaram-moves-application-seeking-home-cooked-food-in-tihar-jail-253058">P Chidambaram</a> in Tihar jail once in a day.

The court, however, clarified that this will not be treated as a precedent for other accused lodged in jails.

Citing health reasons, the leader had moved an application in the court seeking the same to be provided to him.

During the course of proceedings, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), said that they do not have any objection if the accused is given the home-cooked food.

The CBI had arrested him on August 21 following which he was sent to judicial custody in Tihar jail.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-delhi-court-dismisses-chidambarams-bail-plea-252831">court</a>&nbsp;on Thursday extended his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-delhi-court-extends-chidambarams-judicial-custody-till-october-17-253503">judicial custody till October 17</a>.

Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kapil Sibal told the court that they will not argue on the CBI's application which sought the extension of their client's remand.

Chidambaram's friend, Bishop Ezra Sargunam,&nbsp;also attended the court proceedings and presented a book named "Christian and Contribution to Nation building" to him.&nbsp;

Earlier today, the former Finance Minister had moved a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court against the order of the Delhi High Court that dismissed his regular bail petition in the case.

The High Court had dismissed the plea contending that he might influence the witnesses in the case.

Chidambaram is facing probe for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister.

While <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/inx-media-case-cbi-opposes-chidambarams-bail-plea-in-delhi-hc-citing-gravity-of-offence-250861">CBI</a>&nbsp;is probing the corruption allegations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is looking into money laundering allegations against him in the case.

A Delhi court on Thursday allowed home-cooked food to be provided to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in Tihar jail once in a day. The court, however, clarified that this will not be treated as a precedent for other accused lodged in jails.

A Delhi court on Thursday allowed home-cooked food to be provided to senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in Tihar jail once in a day. The court, however, clarified that this will not be treated as a precedent for other accused lodged in jails. Citing health reasons, the leader had moved an application in the court seeking the same to be provided to him. During the course of proceedings, Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), said that they do not have any objection if the accused is given the home-cooked food. The CBI had arrested him on August 21 following which he was sent to judicial custody in Tihar jail. The court on Thursday extended his judicial custody till October 17. Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kapil Sibal told the court that they will not argue on the CBI's application which sought the extension of their client's remand. Chidambaram's friend, Bishop Ezra Sargunam, also attended the court proceedings and presented a book named "Christian and Contribution to Nation building" to him. Earlier today, the former Finance Minister had moved a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court against the order of the Delhi High Court that dismissed his regular bail petition in the case. The High Court had dismissed the plea contending that he might influence the witnesses in the case. Chidambaram is facing probe for alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when he was the Union finance minister. While CBI is probing the corruption allegations, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is looking into money laundering allegations against him in the case.

INX Media case: Delhi court allows home-cooked food to Chidambaram in Tihar jail

Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Thursday moved the Delhi High Court for bail in connection with the money laundering case.

Shivakumar`s legal team approached the High Court after his earlier bail plea was dismissed by a special court in Delhi on Wednesday.

The special court had dismissed his bail plea stating that the Karnataka Congress leader is "not entitled to bail" at this stage.

The bail plea was rejected by special court judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar, who said that investigation agency must get a free and fair chance to reach a logical conclusion.

The court added that the "accused is not entitled to bail" at this stage of the investigation, adding that the Enforcement Directorate arguments had presented some crucial documents and list of 317 alleged bank accounts of the accused.

The court had also directed the Tihar jail authorities to take care of his all medical issues and take him to Ram Manohar Lohia, Safdarjung and AIIMS hospitals if needed.

Shivakumar, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody of Enforcement Directorate, sought bail on health grounds. However, the ED opposed the bail stating that the accused may influence witness and tamper proofs.

DK Shivakumar is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody of ED till October 1.

Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Thursday moved the Delhi High Court for bail in connection with the money laundering case. Shivakumar`s legal team approached the High Court after his earlier bail plea was dismissed by a special court in Delhi on Wednesday.

Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Thursday moved the Delhi High Court for bail in connection with the money laundering case. Shivakumar`s legal team approached the High Court after his earlier bail plea was dismissed by a special court in Delhi on Wednesday. The special court had dismissed his bail plea stating that the Karnataka Congress leader is "not entitled to bail" at this stage. The bail plea was rejected by special court judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar, who said that investigation agency must get a free and fair chance to reach a logical conclusion. The court added that the "accused is not entitled to bail" at this stage of the investigation, adding that the Enforcement Directorate arguments had presented some crucial documents and list of 317 alleged bank accounts of the accused. The court had also directed the Tihar jail authorities to take care of his all medical issues and take him to Ram Manohar Lohia, Safdarjung and AIIMS hospitals if needed. Shivakumar, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody of Enforcement Directorate, sought bail on health grounds. However, the ED opposed the bail stating that the accused may influence witness and tamper proofs. DK Shivakumar is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody of ED till October 1.

DK Shivakumar files bail plea in Delhi High Court in connection with money laundering case

A special court in Delhi has accepted Robert Vadra's application seeking permission to travel abroad.&nbsp;

Vadra has been granted anticipatory bail in a money laundering case, news agency ANI reported. Earlier this year in June, Vadra was allowed to travel abroad on medical grounds for six weeks by a special CBI court.&nbsp;

Senior advocate KTS Tulsi, appearing for Vadra, had previously contended that there are no allegations of tampering with the evidence since the case is mainly based on documents.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A special court in Delhi allows Robert Vadra's application seeking permission to travel abroad. He has been granted anticipatory bail in a money laundering case. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/dhz5DowqMZ">pic.twitter.com/dhz5DowqMZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1172427952488734720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Senior advocate KTS Tulsi, appearing for Vadra, contended that there are no allegations of tampering with the evidence since the case is mainly based on documents.

Vadra is accused in a money laundering case and has been granted anticipatory bail.

He had been given protection from arrest on the condition that he cannot leave India without the permission of the court.

(With inputs from ANI)

A special court in Delhi has accepted Robert Vadra's application seeking permission to travel abroad. Vadra has been granted anticipatory bail in a money laundering case, news agency ANI reported.

A special court in Delhi has accepted Robert Vadra's application seeking permission to travel abroad. Vadra has been granted anticipatory bail in a money laundering case, news agency ANI reported. Earlier this year in June, Vadra was allowed to travel abroad on medical grounds for six weeks by a special CBI court. Senior advocate KTS Tulsi, appearing for Vadra, had previously contended that there are no allegations of tampering with the evidence since the case is mainly based on documents. A special court in Delhi allows Robert Vadra's application seeking permission to travel abroad. He has been granted anticipatory bail in a money laundering case. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/dhz5DowqMZ — ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2019 × Senior advocate KTS Tulsi, appearing for Vadra, contended that there are no allegations of tampering with the evidence since the case is mainly based on documents. Vadra is accused in a money laundering case and has been granted anticipatory bail. He had been given protection from arrest on the condition that he cannot leave India without the permission of the court. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi court allows Robert Vadra to travel abroad 

The Facebook-led Libra cryptocurrency project must meet the highest standards for combating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-question-facebook-over-plans-on-libra-cryptocurrency-236514">money laundering and terrorism</a> financing if it is to get off the ground, a senior US&nbsp;Treasury official said on Tuesday.

Any cryptocurrency project, including Geneva-based Libra, operating in all or substantial parts of the United States will clearly have to satisfy US&nbsp;regulatory standards, US&nbsp;Under Secretary of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Sigal Mandelker told reporters in the Swiss capital.

"Whether it's bitcoin, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-needs-very-high-standard-for-libra-coin-us-treasury-steven-mnuchin-236268">Ethereum, Libra, our message</a> is the same to all of these companies: anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism has to be built into your design from the get-go," Mandelker said.

She was speaking after meeting Swiss government officials and representatives from the Bank for International Settlements and other international financial bodies to discuss cryptocurrencies including the planned Libra project, which is to be launched by a Swiss-based association.

While the digital currency industry has paid tremendous attention to developing the underlying technology, much of the industry has paid far too little attention to ensuring that the networks they are building do not enable terrorists and other bad actors to hide and move money, Mandelker said.

The Treasury official said she would meet Switzerland's financial market supervisor FINMA on Tuesday&nbsp;where she would be discussing not only the application of proper anti-money laundering safeguards but also taking enforcement actions against companies flouting those rules would be a priority.

FINMA in August had granted Switzerland's first banking and securities licenses to two blockchain service providers and has built up a digital currency hub nicknamed the "Crypto Valley".

"Switzerland, like a number of other countries, has promoted itself as a hub for fintech and for innovation, and so, of course, any country that promotes itself in that way -&nbsp;&nbsp;in my view, it's incumbent upon that country to take these particular concerns at the highest level in(to) the utmost regard," she added.

The Libra project was still in very early stages of thinking through steps to prevent such crimes, she said, adding Swiss officials had similar views.

Digital currencies such as Libra raise serious concerns and must be regulated as tightly as possible to ensure they do not upset the world's financial system, Group of Seven finance ministers and central bankers had said in July.

The Facebook-led Libra cryptocurrency project must meet the highest standards for combating money laundering and terrorism financing if it is to get off the ground, a senior US Treasury official said on Tuesday.

The Facebook-led Libra cryptocurrency project must meet the highest standards for combating money laundering and terrorism financing if it is to get off the ground, a senior US Treasury official said on Tuesday. Any cryptocurrency project, including Geneva-based Libra, operating in all or substantial parts of the United States will clearly have to satisfy US regulatory standards, US Under Secretary of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Sigal Mandelker told reporters in the Swiss capital. "Whether it's bitcoin, Ethereum, Libra, our message is the same to all of these companies: anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism has to be built into your design from the get-go," Mandelker said. She was speaking after meeting Swiss government officials and representatives from the Bank for International Settlements and other international financial bodies to discuss cryptocurrencies including the planned Libra project, which is to be launched by a Swiss-based association. While the digital currency industry has paid tremendous attention to developing the underlying technology, much of the industry has paid far too little attention to ensuring that the networks they are building do not enable terrorists and other bad actors to hide and move money, Mandelker said. The Treasury official said she would meet Switzerland's financial market supervisor FINMA on Tuesday where she would be discussing not only the application of proper anti-money laundering safeguards but also taking enforcement actions against companies flouting those rules would be a priority. FINMA in August had granted Switzerland's first banking and securities licenses to two blockchain service providers and has built up a digital currency hub nicknamed the "Crypto Valley". "Switzerland, like a number of other countries, has promoted itself as a hub for fintech and for innovation, and so, of course, any country that promotes itself in that way - in my view, it's incumbent upon that country to take these particular concerns at the highest level in(to) the utmost regard," she added. The Libra project was still in very early stages of thinking through steps to prevent such crimes, she said, adding Swiss officials had similar views. Digital currencies such as Libra raise serious concerns and must be regulated as tightly as possible to ensure they do not upset the world's financial system, Group of Seven finance ministers and central bankers had said in July.

Facebook's Libra has to build anti-money laundering, anti-terror financing design: US Treasury

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Thursday apprised the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed against former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case.&nbsp;

"The money laundering case is very sensitive. We cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed. I request the court to examine the report given in sealed cover," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said in the court.&nbsp;

He said laundering was the global phenomenon, which affects the integrity and economy of a country.

"In the money laundering case, we would be dealing with very intelligent people, stupid men cannot do laundering. For the investigation, you have to go with information which can get among the offenders of laundering. These offences are not committed in heat of the moment, they are cleverly crafted. Most of the laundering is a digital operation," Mehta said.&nbsp;

He said that money laundering is "not like rape where forensics can collect bloodstains", adding that it becomes very difficult to unravel how actually money laundering took place.&nbsp;

Emphasising that the probe agency has a statutory right to arrest, "Whether custodial interrogation is necessary or not, it has to be decided by the Special Court. An arrest is done by people of higher rank, a Director, on the basis of materials we have in possession, recorded reasons, and after the accused must be informed about the reason of arrest."

The Solicitor General said the ED has the material in its possession against Chidambaram, which gives them the power to arrest.&nbsp;

"The ED received the material, like records from banks all over the world. In this case, the statute provides that probe report should be sent to neutral adjudicatory authority, in a sealed cover, to avoid investigating agency tampering with them. These are statutory checks and balances provided in Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002."

In 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister.

Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him. The top court was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) moved by Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court order denying him anticipatory bail in the ED case.&nbsp;

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Thursday apprised the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed against former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Thursday apprised the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed against former finance minister P Chidambaram in the INX Media money laundering case. "The money laundering case is very sensitive. We cannot share details of the investigation till the chargesheet is filed. I request the court to examine the report given in sealed cover," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said in the court. He said laundering was the global phenomenon, which affects the integrity and economy of a country. "In the money laundering case, we would be dealing with very intelligent people, stupid men cannot do laundering. For the investigation, you have to go with information which can get among the offenders of laundering. These offences are not committed in heat of the moment, they are cleverly crafted. Most of the laundering is a digital operation," Mehta said. He said that money laundering is "not like rape where forensics can collect bloodstains", adding that it becomes very difficult to unravel how actually money laundering took place. Emphasising that the probe agency has a statutory right to arrest, "Whether custodial interrogation is necessary or not, it has to be decided by the Special Court. An arrest is done by people of higher rank, a Director, on the basis of materials we have in possession, recorded reasons, and after the accused must be informed about the reason of arrest." The Solicitor General said the ED has the material in its possession against Chidambaram, which gives them the power to arrest. "The ED received the material, like records from banks all over the world. In this case, the statute provides that probe report should be sent to neutral adjudicatory authority, in a sealed cover, to avoid investigating agency tampering with them. These are statutory checks and balances provided in Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002." In 2017, the CBI had registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance given to INX Media to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Chidambaram was the Union finance minister. Following the FIR filed by CBI, ED had filed a case of money laundering against him. The top court was hearing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) moved by Chidambaram against the Delhi High Court order denying him anticipatory bail in the ED case.

ED can't share probe details till chargesheet is filed against Chidambaram in INX Media case: Solicitor General tells Supreme Court

Abdulla Yameen, the former president of the Maldives, pled not guilty to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldivian-court-frees-65-million-in-abdulla-yameens-accounts-206981">charges of money laundering</a> on Sunday, in the first hearing of a criminal court trial into the matter.

Yameen, who drew the Indian Ocean island country closer to China during his tenure, is accused of receiving $1 million of government money through a private company, SOF Private Ltd, which has been implicated in a corrupt deal to lease tropical islands for hotel development.

The corruption scandal, originally uncovered by an internal audit, has also implicated several other leading politicians and businessmen, all of whom have denied any wrongdoing.

SOF Private could not immediately be reached for comment.

Yameen, who unexpectedly lost an election last year, was arrested in February. He has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.

During Sunday's hearing, which was broadcast nationally in a historic move, the court dismissed five pre-trial motions filed by Yameen's lawyers challenging the validity of the charges against him.

The defence's arguments did not amount to a valid reason to not proceed to trial, the judge ruled.

The prosecution's witnesses will begin to testify at the next trial date on August 4. If found guilty, Yameen could face a jail sentence of between five to 15 years.

Abdulla Yameen, the former president of the Maldives, pled not guilty to charges of money laundering on Sunday, in the first hearing of a criminal court trial into the matter.

Abdulla Yameen, the former president of the Maldives, pled not guilty to charges of money laundering on Sunday, in the first hearing of a criminal court trial into the matter. Yameen, who drew the Indian Ocean island country closer to China during his tenure, is accused of receiving $1 million of government money through a private company, SOF Private Ltd, which has been implicated in a corrupt deal to lease tropical islands for hotel development. The corruption scandal, originally uncovered by an internal audit, has also implicated several other leading politicians and businessmen, all of whom have denied any wrongdoing. SOF Private could not immediately be reached for comment. Yameen, who unexpectedly lost an election last year, was arrested in February. He has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. During Sunday's hearing, which was broadcast nationally in a historic move, the court dismissed five pre-trial motions filed by Yameen's lawyers challenging the validity of the charges against him. The defence's arguments did not amount to a valid reason to not proceed to trial, the judge ruled. The prosecution's witnesses will begin to testify at the next trial date on August 4. If found guilty, Yameen could face a jail sentence of between five to 15 years.

Former Maldives president Abdulla Yameen pleads not guilty to charges of money laundering

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention.

The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-ex-president-michel-temer-arrested-reports-204712">was accused of money laundering scheme</a>. He was arrested on March 21 in Sao Paulo becoming the latest the second ex-president of the Latin American country to be caught up in an anti-corruption probe called Car Wash.

Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties.

Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco and other detained with Temer were also released.

"I am not against the so-called Car Wash (investigation)," judge Antonio Ivan Athie said in his decision.

"I want to see our country free from the corruption that plagues it. However, without constitutional guarantees, guaranteed to all ... there is no legitimacy in the fight against this plague," Athie added.

Despite evidence that could incriminate the accused, it "did not justify preventative detention", Athie said, pointing to the absence of proof that the accused were a threat to public order or would hide evidence.&nbsp;

Hours after the decision was taken, Temer left the jail and went in a car. The federal prosecutor's office said it would appeal the decision.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention. The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was accused of money laundering scheme.

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention. The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was accused of money laundering scheme. He was arrested on March 21 in Sao Paulo becoming the latest the second ex-president of the Latin American country to be caught up in an anti-corruption probe called Car Wash. Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties. Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco and other detained with Temer were also released. "I am not against the so-called Car Wash (investigation)," judge Antonio Ivan Athie said in his decision. "I want to see our country free from the corruption that plagues it. However, without constitutional guarantees, guaranteed to all ... there is no legitimacy in the fight against this plague," Athie added. Despite evidence that could incriminate the accused, it "did not justify preventative detention", Athie said, pointing to the absence of proof that the accused were a threat to public order or would hide evidence. Hours after the decision was taken, Temer left the jail and went in a car. The federal prosecutor's office said it would appeal the decision. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer freed from jail, judge says no legal grounds for detention

Maldives authorities on Monday detained former strongman president Abdulla Yameen after he was accused of trying to bribe witnesses in his money laundering trial, officials said.

The arrest came after the Criminal Court began a hearing into allegations that Yameen received nearly $1.5 million in illicit payments just before he lost an election in September and was forced out of power.

"Prosecutors said that Yameen had allegedly attempted to bribe witnesses," a court official said, adding that the former president would be held at the Dhoonidhoo prison island near the capital.

If convicted, the 59-year-old could face up to 15 years in jail and be fined three times the amount of the fraud involved.&nbsp;

Yameen, who came to power in 2013 and jailed many of his opponents or forced them into exile, was summoned to the Criminal Court Sunday to formally receive his indictment. He sent his lawyers in his place.

The court then scheduled a rushed hearing after prosecutors told judge Ahmed Hailam that Yameen was attempting to interfere with witnesses.

Since Yameen's shock election defeat, all dissidents have returned to the Indian Ocean archipelago and most have had their convictions overturned.&nbsp;

During his five-year tenure, Yameen relied heavily on China for political and financial support as he came under international criticism over his dismal human rights record.

The nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims is now heavily in debt to China.

Loot stashed abroad

Authorities believe millions of dollars allegedly syphoned off by Yameen could be stashed abroad, and have said that talks are underway with foreign entities to repatriate any cash found.

The court has already frozen Yameen's local bank accounts holding about $6.5 million, a decision the former leader has contested.

Last week, an anti-corruption body came up with a report saying $79 million was embezzled from state-run Maldives Media and Public Relations Corporation during Yameen's tenure.

There was no immediate comment from Yameen or his legal team on the detention order.

The arrest of Yameen came a day after his chief lawyer and former justice minister Azima Shakoor was also charged with embezzlement and helping her boss to launder money.&nbsp;

Maldivian police earlier announced they had evidence linking Yameen and Shakoor to the theft of millions from the country.&nbsp;

The Maldives was on the verge of being slapped with Western-led sanctions before opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won an unexpected landslide in last year's election, campaigning on a pledge to end corruption in the country otherwise known for its luxury tourism.

Maldives authorities on Monday detained former strongman president Abdulla Yameen after he was accused of trying to bribe witnesses in his money laundering trial, officials said.

Maldives authorities on Monday detained former strongman president Abdulla Yameen after he was accused of trying to bribe witnesses in his money laundering trial, officials said. The arrest came after the Criminal Court began a hearing into allegations that Yameen received nearly $1.5 million in illicit payments just before he lost an election in September and was forced out of power. "Prosecutors said that Yameen had allegedly attempted to bribe witnesses," a court official said, adding that the former president would be held at the Dhoonidhoo prison island near the capital. If convicted, the 59-year-old could face up to 15 years in jail and be fined three times the amount of the fraud involved. Yameen, who came to power in 2013 and jailed many of his opponents or forced them into exile, was summoned to the Criminal Court Sunday to formally receive his indictment. He sent his lawyers in his place. The court then scheduled a rushed hearing after prosecutors told judge Ahmed Hailam that Yameen was attempting to interfere with witnesses. Since Yameen's shock election defeat, all dissidents have returned to the Indian Ocean archipelago and most have had their convictions overturned. During his five-year tenure, Yameen relied heavily on China for political and financial support as he came under international criticism over his dismal human rights record. The nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims is now heavily in debt to China. Loot stashed abroad Authorities believe millions of dollars allegedly syphoned off by Yameen could be stashed abroad, and have said that talks are underway with foreign entities to repatriate any cash found. The court has already frozen Yameen's local bank accounts holding about $6.5 million, a decision the former leader has contested. Last week, an anti-corruption body came up with a report saying $79 million was embezzled from state-run Maldives Media and Public Relations Corporation during Yameen's tenure. There was no immediate comment from Yameen or his legal team on the detention order. The arrest of Yameen came a day after his chief lawyer and former justice minister Azima Shakoor was also charged with embezzlement and helping her boss to launder money. Maldivian police earlier announced they had evidence linking Yameen and Shakoor to the theft of millions from the country. The Maldives was on the verge of being slapped with Western-led sanctions before opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won an unexpected landslide in last year's election, campaigning on a pledge to end corruption in the country otherwise known for its luxury tourism.

Maldives arrests ex-leader Yameen over witness tampering: Officials

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-seeks-foreign-aid-to-find-cash-linked-to-former-president-abdulla-yameen-196043">Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen</a> will be arrested and detained on money laundering charges, as per the order by a Maldivian court on Monday, news agency AFP reported.

The court agreed to a prosecution request to detain Yameen who was charged last week with laundering nearly $1.5 million before he lost his re-election bid in September, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Maldivian prosecutors on Sunday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-former-president-abdulla-yameens-top-aide-charged-with-embezzlement-197958">charged Yameen's top aide</a> with embezzling millions of dollars from the tropical tourist paradise.&nbsp;

The charges against high-profile former justice minister Azima Shakoor come days after Yameen was hit with his own indictment on graft charges after his shock election loss last year.

Maldivian police had earlier announced they had evidence linking Yameen and Shakoor to the theft of millions from the country, AFP reported.&nbsp;

The Maldivian government is seeking international help to find millions of dollars allegedly syphoned off by Yameen.

According to reports, Maldivian authorities in the Indian Ocean archipelago were in talks with foreign experts as part of a police investigation against the Yameen who lost power last September.

(With inputs from AFP)

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen will be arrested and detained on money laundering charges, as per the order by a Maldivian court on Monday, news agency AFP reported.

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen will be arrested and detained on money laundering charges, as per the order by a Maldivian court on Monday, news agency AFP reported. The court agreed to a prosecution request to detain Yameen who was charged last week with laundering nearly $1.5 million before he lost his re-election bid in September, AFP reported. Maldivian prosecutors on Sunday charged Yameen's top aide with embezzling millions of dollars from the tropical tourist paradise. The charges against high-profile former justice minister Azima Shakoor come days after Yameen was hit with his own indictment on graft charges after his shock election loss last year. Maldivian police had earlier announced they had evidence linking Yameen and Shakoor to the theft of millions from the country, AFP reported. The Maldivian government is seeking international help to find millions of dollars allegedly syphoned off by Yameen. According to reports, Maldivian authorities in the Indian Ocean archipelago were in talks with foreign experts as part of a police investigation against the Yameen who lost power last September. (With inputs from AFP)

Maldives: Court orders arrest of ex-President Yameen on money laundering charges

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and his mother, Maureen Vadra, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Jaipur on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case amidst heightened security.

The <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/india-news/bikaner-land-scam-robert-vadra-mother-to-appear-before-ed-in-jaipur-196687">mother-son duo </a>arrived in Jaipur on Monday to be quizzed on an alleged land scam in Bikaner, the state’s border town.

Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also flew to Jaipur from Lucknow last night to extend support to her husband and mother-in-law.

Priyanka dropped off the mother-son duo at the ED office and left soon after.

On January 22, the Rajasthan High Court’s Jodhpur bench had directed Vadra, Maureen, and his partners in Skyline Hospitality to appear before the ED on February 12 to respond to the allegations of money laundering levelled against his firm.

In November last year, the ED had for the third time issued summons to Vadra and his mother - a partner in the firm- for questioning but none of them appeared. Instead, they moved the High Court seeking a ‘no coercive action’ order and stay of their arrest.

A money laundering case was registered by the ED in September 2015, claiming that Skylight Hospitality had acquired land in Kolayat village of Bikaner, which was meant for the rehabilitation of the poor villagers.

It was alleged that Vadra bought 69.55 hectares of land at a cheaper rate and then sold the land to Allegheny Finlease for Rs 5.15 crore through illegal transactions.

It is worth mentioning that in Bikaner land scam fraudsters in collusion with the state government officials got allotted land in the name of fictitious individuals, though the land was actually meant for the people who were displaced due to the creation of Mahajan Field Firing range.

The fraudsters created forged allotment letters purportedly issued by the Colonisation Department of the state government and 1,422 ‘bighas’ of land was recorded in revenue record in the name of fictitious allottees without due verification of the allotment letters from the concerned department.&nbsp;

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and his mother, Maureen Vadra, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Jaipur on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case amidst heightened security.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and his mother, Maureen Vadra, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate in Jaipur on Tuesday in connection with a money laundering case amidst heightened security. The mother-son duo arrived in Jaipur on Monday to be quizzed on an alleged land scam in Bikaner, the state’s border town. Newly-appointed Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also flew to Jaipur from Lucknow last night to extend support to her husband and mother-in-law. Priyanka dropped off the mother-son duo at the ED office and left soon after. On January 22, the Rajasthan High Court’s Jodhpur bench had directed Vadra, Maureen, and his partners in Skyline Hospitality to appear before the ED on February 12 to respond to the allegations of money laundering levelled against his firm. In November last year, the ED had for the third time issued summons to Vadra and his mother - a partner in the firm- for questioning but none of them appeared. Instead, they moved the High Court seeking a ‘no coercive action’ order and stay of their arrest. A money laundering case was registered by the ED in September 2015, claiming that Skylight Hospitality had acquired land in Kolayat village of Bikaner, which was meant for the rehabilitation of the poor villagers. It was alleged that Vadra bought 69.55 hectares of land at a cheaper rate and then sold the land to Allegheny Finlease for Rs 5.15 crore through illegal transactions. It is worth mentioning that in Bikaner land scam fraudsters in collusion with the state government officials got allotted land in the name of fictitious individuals, though the land was actually meant for the people who were displaced due to the creation of Mahajan Field Firing range. The fraudsters created forged allotment letters purportedly issued by the Colonisation Department of the state government and 1,422 ‘bighas’ of land was recorded in revenue record in the name of fictitious allottees without due verification of the allotment letters from the concerned department.

Bikaner land scam: Robert Vadra, mother Maureen Vadra appear before ED in Jaipur

Robert Vadra, Congress President Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was on Saturday questioned for about eight hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad as he appeared before the agency for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-grills-vadra-for-third-time-in-one-week-in-money-laundering-case-196248">third consecutive day</a>.

Vadra arrived at the central probe agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:45 AM in his private vehicle and left around 8:15 PM. He was given an hour-long break for lunch.

This is the third consecutive day that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-questioned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-probe-wife-priyanka-says-i-support-my-family-195658">businessman appeared before the agency</a>. It was not immediately clear if he has been asked to depose again.

After two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7, officials said the investigating officer (IO) of the case wanted to put across more questions to Vadra in connection with the case and hence he was asked to depose again on Saturday.&nbsp;

While <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-calls-his-false-prosecution-a-political-witch-hunt-194530">Vadra</a> was quizzed for about five-and-a-half hours on Thursday, he was grilled for about 9 hours the next day.

Sources said Vadra was questioned on various aspects of his personal and business finances during the latest session.

It is understood that the last time Vadra was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources had said.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Sources said Vadra's statement was recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as was done on the last two occasions.

His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday while she picked him up after questioning on Thursday.

Robert Vadra, Congress President Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was on Saturday questioned for about eight hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad as he appeared before the agency for the third consecutive day.

Robert Vadra, Congress President Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was on Saturday questioned for about eight hours by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad as he appeared before the agency for the third consecutive day. Vadra arrived at the central probe agency's office at Jamnagar House in central Delhi at about 10:45 AM in his private vehicle and left around 8:15 PM. He was given an hour-long break for lunch. This is the third consecutive day that the businessman appeared before the agency. It was not immediately clear if he has been asked to depose again. After two sessions of questioning on February 6 and 7, officials said the investigating officer (IO) of the case wanted to put across more questions to Vadra in connection with the case and hence he was asked to depose again on Saturday. While Vadra was quizzed for about five-and-a-half hours on Thursday, he was grilled for about 9 hours the next day. Sources said Vadra was questioned on various aspects of his personal and business finances during the latest session. It is understood that the last time Vadra was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources had said. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Sources said Vadra's statement was recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as was done on the last two occasions. His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after his wife Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday while she picked him up after questioning on Thursday.

Robert Vadra questioned for 8 hours on third day of appearance before ED

Maldives police asked the prosecutor general on Thursday to charge former President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-president-ibrahim-mohamed-solih-appeals-for-details-of-graft-under-predecessors-189186">Abdulla Yameen</a> for providing false information during a probe over his alleged involvement in a deal to lease tropical islands.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-president-yameen-hardliner-who-jailed-his-own-half-brother-167008">Pro-China Yameen lost a presidential election</a> in September and the new government of his successor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has drawn the country closer to India, probing several infrastructure deals awarded to the Chinese.

The investigation relates to a deal to lease tropical islands for hotel development, and alleged payment of $1 million of government money through a private company, SOF Private Limited, into Yameen's personal bank account.&nbsp;

Through a spokesman, Yameen denied any wrongdoing.

Police said in a statement that the investigation showed the company was used to embezzle state funds. "After the investigation, Yameen was told the money belonged to the state and should be returned. The police investigation found that Yameen did not return the money as ordered and instead he conducted financial transactions with the money in ways that would be profitable to him."&nbsp;

The state-run Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2016 found that SOF, a company launched by former tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb, was used to launder over $92 million from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, the country`s tourism board.&nbsp;

A spokesman for Yameen said the former president "does not believe that any funds of the state owned by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation were deposited into an account owned by Abdulla Yameen".&nbsp;

Officials from SOF were not immediately available for comment.

Yameen's government suspended the license of SOF Private Limited in 2017 after Adeeb was jailed on terrorism charges.&nbsp;

The ACC, which under Yameen`s government initially investigated the money transfer to the former leader`s personal account, had asked Yameen to return the money in 2018. Yameen later said he had already returned the money.

Police said in December the authorities had frozen the bank accounts of Yameen with 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa ($6.49 million) in both US&nbsp;dollars and the local currency.&nbsp;

During Yameen's tenure from 2013-2018, critics alleged that contracts, including a major bridge and an extension to the international airport, were given to Chinese companies at inflated prices.

Maldives police asked the prosecutor general on Thursday to charge former President Abdulla Yameen for providing false information during a probe over his alleged involvement in a deal to lease tropical islands.

Maldives police asked the prosecutor general on Thursday to charge former President Abdulla Yameen for providing false information during a probe over his alleged involvement in a deal to lease tropical islands. Pro-China Yameen lost a presidential election in September and the new government of his successor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has drawn the country closer to India, probing several infrastructure deals awarded to the Chinese. The investigation relates to a deal to lease tropical islands for hotel development, and alleged payment of $1 million of government money through a private company, SOF Private Limited, into Yameen's personal bank account. Through a spokesman, Yameen denied any wrongdoing. Police said in a statement that the investigation showed the company was used to embezzle state funds. "After the investigation, Yameen was told the money belonged to the state and should be returned. The police investigation found that Yameen did not return the money as ordered and instead he conducted financial transactions with the money in ways that would be profitable to him." The state-run Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in 2016 found that SOF, a company launched by former tourism minister Ahmed Adeeb, was used to launder over $92 million from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, the country`s tourism board. A spokesman for Yameen said the former president "does not believe that any funds of the state owned by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation were deposited into an account owned by Abdulla Yameen". Officials from SOF were not immediately available for comment. Yameen's government suspended the license of SOF Private Limited in 2017 after Adeeb was jailed on terrorism charges. The ACC, which under Yameen`s government initially investigated the money transfer to the former leader`s personal account, had asked Yameen to return the money in 2018. Yameen later said he had already returned the money. Police said in December the authorities had frozen the bank accounts of Yameen with 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa ($6.49 million) in both US dollars and the local currency. During Yameen's tenure from 2013-2018, critics alleged that contracts, including a major bridge and an extension to the international airport, were given to Chinese companies at inflated prices.

Maldives police seek charges against ex-president after money laundering probe

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

His wife and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office, in Jamnagar House in central Delhi, in a black SUV to pick him up around 9:30 PM. Her vehicle was guarded by SPG personnel when it went inside the ED office.

Priyanka had dropped off her husband for questioning at the ED office on Wednesday noon.

Vadra is expected to be questioned again on either Friday or Saturday.

Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the UK.

It is understood that he was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources said.

He was grilled for five-and-a-half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in an SUV around 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers reached there. After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the grilling session.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties.

Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Vadra's lawyer K T S Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing.

A team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case, have put across about two dozen questions to Vadra over two days.

His statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done on Wednesday, the sources added.

His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after Priyanka, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday. She took charge of her new post at the Congress national headquarters on Akbar Road shortly after that.

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who had returned from London earlier on Wednesday.

That was the first time Vadra had appeared before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings.

On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others.

The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against Bhandari.

It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

Seizing on the questioning of Vadra, the BJP has attacked the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal during the UPA rule.

Vadra is also expected to present himself before ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an unrelated money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

Robert Vadra, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law, was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for nine hours on Thursday, the second day of his deposition in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad. His wife and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi came to the ED office, in Jamnagar House in central Delhi, in a black SUV to pick him up around 9:30 PM. Her vehicle was guarded by SPG personnel when it went inside the ED office. Priyanka had dropped off her husband for questioning at the ED office on Wednesday noon. Vadra is expected to be questioned again on either Friday or Saturday. Official sources said Vadra was required to rejoin the probe on Thursday as he needed to answer more questions on allegedly acquiring immovable assets in the UK. It is understood that he was "confronted with" documents that the agency has obtained or seized as part of its probe in the case, including those linked to absconding defence dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Vadra has also shared documents with the investigating officer of the case and has assured some more will be provided as and when he gets them, official sources said. He was grilled for five-and-a-half hours for the first time in the case on Wednesday. His lawyer said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him. On Thursday, Vadra arrived at the ED office in an SUV around 11.25 am, about an hour after his team of lawyers reached there. After two hours of questioning, he left for lunch and returned about an hour later to resume the grilling session. The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency has told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties. Vadra has denied the allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. He said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Vadra's lawyer K T S Tulsi told reporters outside the ED office Thursday his client has not committed any wrongdoing. A team of three ED officials, including the investigating officer of the case, have put across about two dozen questions to Vadra over two days. His statement is being recorded under Section 50 (powers of authorities regarding summons, production of documents and to give evidence) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, as was done on Wednesday, the sources added. His appearance before the ED acquired political overtones after Priyanka, appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied him to the investigating agency's office on Wednesday. She took charge of her new post at the Congress national headquarters on Akbar Road shortly after that. "He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who had returned from London earlier on Wednesday. That was the first time Vadra had appeared before any probe agency in connection with alleged dubious financial dealings. On February 2, he was directed by a Delhi court to appear before the central probe agency and cooperate in the probe after he knocked on its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. In December last year, the ED conducted raids in the case and grilled his close aide Manoj Arora, an employee of Skylight Hospitality LLP, a firm linked to Vadra, as well as others. The agency told the court that it filed a PMLA case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-black money legislation against Bhandari. It alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation. Seizing on the questioning of Vadra, the BJP has attacked the Congress and alleged he got kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal during the UPA rule. Vadra is also expected to present himself before ED on February 12 in Jaipur in an unrelated money-laundering case related to a land scam in Bikaner. The Rajasthan High Court has directed him to cooperate with the agency in the case.

Money-laundering case: ED questions Vadra for 9 hours on Day 2

Keeping the heat on Congress party in relation to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vadra-appears-before-ed-for-another-day-of-questioning-in-money-laundering-probe-195774">Robert Vadra's questioning</a> by Enforcement Directorate (ED), the BJP on Thursday listed nine emails that the party alleged were exchanged between Vadra and Sumit Chadha, a relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, regarding properties in London.&nbsp;

Alleging that the Gandhi family owns five properties in London, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said these emails were exchanged between March 8, 2010 and April 17, 2010.

"The first email has been sent by Sumit Chadha, who is relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. He has sent it to Robert Vadra only... What tiles should be used in kitchen? How would the bathroom look? All of it is in this email," Patra said.&nbsp;

The email also discussed issues related to painting at one property in London, Patra added.

Vadra, the husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed the charges a political witch hunt against him. He has said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

After the first day of his questioning by ED, his lawyer had said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him.

"All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan had told reporters.&nbsp;

As Vadra's questioning continued for second day Thursday, Patra also talked about another email allegedly sent by Vadra on April 15, 2010, saying Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband wrote in that email, "Hi, was not aware that nothing has reached you. Will look into it at the morning and let Manoj sort it out. Will be in London soon too. You take care."

Patra claimed, "Vadra is explaining that he didn't know that the money has not reached Chadha so he would ask Manoj to immediately sort this out".

"Who is this Manoj? Yesterday, we saw in news that Vadra has accepted that Manoj is his employee and Manoj used to write emails for him. This establishes a complete trail between Mr B, Deltabhandari, Manoj and Robert Vadra," he claimed.

Patra alleged some mails were marked to an email ID deltabhandari@hotmail.Com, and said Congress president Rahul Gandhi needs to answer who were Mr M, Mr B and Deltabhandari.

The BJP spokesperson also listed five properties on London that he alleged were owned by the Gandhi family as per media reports.

"The address of five properties have come before us through media... One is on Wellington Road at St John's Wood in London. This property's cost is around Rs 37 crore. Second property has flat numbers 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 and it is on Saratoga Road in London. It looks like there is a property of Gandhi family on each road of London," he alleged.

"You want a house at every place in London so that you can enjoy. You will come here to do photo-ops among the poor of this country. In this new India, every person, big or small, the law will work for everyone the same way," he said.

"Gandhi family will also have to bow down in front of law. The law won't bow to them... The accused have to come before the law and we are seeing that they are coming every day before ED now," he said.

"Rahul Gandhi has said today that if we come to power, we will pick each such RSS person (from the institution) and throw him out. You will throw each RSS or BJP person out, because you need place to keep Rohingyas or Bangladeshis... This is your motive," Patra alleged.

Keeping the heat on Congress party in relation to Robert Vadra's questioning by Enforcement Directorate (ED), the BJP on Thursday listed nine emails that the party alleged were exchanged between Vadra and Sumit Chadha, a relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, regarding properties in London.

Keeping the heat on Congress party in relation to Robert Vadra's questioning by Enforcement Directorate (ED), the BJP on Thursday listed nine emails that the party alleged were exchanged between Vadra and Sumit Chadha, a relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, regarding properties in London. Alleging that the Gandhi family owns five properties in London, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said these emails were exchanged between March 8, 2010 and April 17, 2010. "The first email has been sent by Sumit Chadha, who is relative of arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. He has sent it to Robert Vadra only... What tiles should be used in kitchen? How would the bathroom look? All of it is in this email," Patra said. The email also discussed issues related to painting at one property in London, Patra added. Vadra, the husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed the charges a political witch hunt against him. He has said he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. After the first day of his questioning by ED, his lawyer had said Wednesday night that Vadra had replied to every question put to him. "All charges against him are wrong. We will cooperate with the agency 100 per cent. He will come whenever he is called," lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan had told reporters. As Vadra's questioning continued for second day Thursday, Patra also talked about another email allegedly sent by Vadra on April 15, 2010, saying Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband wrote in that email, "Hi, was not aware that nothing has reached you. Will look into it at the morning and let Manoj sort it out. Will be in London soon too. You take care." Patra claimed, "Vadra is explaining that he didn't know that the money has not reached Chadha so he would ask Manoj to immediately sort this out". "Who is this Manoj? Yesterday, we saw in news that Vadra has accepted that Manoj is his employee and Manoj used to write emails for him. This establishes a complete trail between Mr B, Deltabhandari, Manoj and Robert Vadra," he claimed. Patra alleged some mails were marked to an email ID deltabhandari@hotmail.Com, and said Congress president Rahul Gandhi needs to answer who were Mr M, Mr B and Deltabhandari. The BJP spokesperson also listed five properties on London that he alleged were owned by the Gandhi family as per media reports. "The address of five properties have come before us through media... One is on Wellington Road at St John's Wood in London. This property's cost is around Rs 37 crore. Second property has flat numbers 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 and it is on Saratoga Road in London. It looks like there is a property of Gandhi family on each road of London," he alleged. "You want a house at every place in London so that you can enjoy. You will come here to do photo-ops among the poor of this country. In this new India, every person, big or small, the law will work for everyone the same way," he said. "Gandhi family will also have to bow down in front of law. The law won't bow to them... The accused have to come before the law and we are seeing that they are coming every day before ED now," he said. "Rahul Gandhi has said today that if we come to power, we will pick each such RSS person (from the institution) and throw him out. You will throw each RSS or BJP person out, because you need place to keep Rohingyas or Bangladeshis... This is your motive," Patra alleged.

Robert Vadra questioning: BJP lists nine emails regarding London properties

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573">Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief</a> Rahul Gandhi, was Wednesday questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for over five hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi: Robert Vadra leaves from the Enforcement Directorate office after questioning in connection with a money laundering case. <a href="https://t.co/FtSidnpGJ8">pic.twitter.com/FtSidnpGJ8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093180772683517953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobertVadra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RobertVadra</a>'s lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan : He has given an undertaking that he will appear (before Enforcement Directorate) when summoned. <a href="https://t.co/OHKBr86IYZ">pic.twitter.com/OHKBr86IYZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093183127864967168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied him in a white Toyota Land Cruiser and dropped him outside the ED's office in Jamnagar House, in a move seen as sending a political message to Congress' opponents ahead of Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Shortly after, Priyanka took charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East, a fortnight after her formal induction into the Congress party on January 23.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/WI8qlLtF0X">pic.twitter.com/WI8qlLtF0X</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093096180874203136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Congress Headquarters in Delhi. Earlier today she had accompanied her husband Robert Vadra to Enforcement Directorate Office &amp; left soon after. <a href="https://t.co/2RDbaHG5JV">pic.twitter.com/2RDbaHG5JV</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093105990340354048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London earlier in the day.

Priyanka was asked by newsmen at the All India Congress Committee(AICC) headquarters whether she was sending any message by dropping her husband at the ED office for questioning.

Asked if it was a political vendetta, she said everyone knows why this is being done.

On the day of Priyanka's appointment, Vadra had sent an emotional message to her.

"Congratulations P... Always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best,? Vadra said in a Facebook post.

It is for the first time that Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings.

After jostling with a posse of assembled media persons, Vadra entered the ED office at around 3:47 pm, minutes after a team of his lawyers reached the premises. He then signed the attendance register before being taken in for questioning.

Vadra has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. Vadra has alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Ahead of the questioning by a team of 3 ED officials, official sources said Vadra will be put through a dozen questions on transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).&nbsp;

Vadra was directed by a Delhi court on February 2 to cooperate with the investigation being carried out by the ED after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case.

The court directed him to appear before the ED on Wednesday on his return from London.

The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra to attack the Congress and allege he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged at a news conference that Vadra bought 8 to 9 properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power. Patra did not provide any evidence to back up his claim.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi claimed that the charges against Vadra are "fickle, superficial, non-existent, non-substantive".

The BJP had full four and a half years to investigate but could not find anything, he claimed at a news conference.

The attempt is to mislead, confuse and to create and ambience before election, but people see through this, he said.

"The ED, Income-Tax Department, the CBI, and 10 other agencies could not do a thing against him, for so many years. It shows that this is nothing but an 'electoral jumla'".&nbsp;

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belongs to Vadra.

A local Congress leader Jagdish Sharma, questioned by the ED, in this case, few weeks ago, was present outside the agency's office after Vadra went in. Talking to newsmen, Sharma alleged that Vadra was being "framed" in the case.

The ED had also carried out raids in the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP.

The agency had told the court that it filed the money laundering case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-blackmoney legislation against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had claimed before the court.

Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged.

Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED again on February 12 in connection with another money laundering case being probed by the agency.

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, was Wednesday questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for over five hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency.

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, was Wednesday questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi for over five hours in its money laundering probe into alleged possession of illegal foreign assets, days after he was directed by a city court to appear before the central probe agency. Delhi: Robert Vadra leaves from the Enforcement Directorate office after questioning in connection with a money laundering case. pic.twitter.com/FtSidnpGJ8 — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × #RobertVadra's lawyer Suman Jyoti Khaitan : He has given an undertaking that he will appear (before Enforcement Directorate) when summoned. pic.twitter.com/OHKBr86IYZ — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × Vadra's wife Priyanka Gandhi accompanied him in a white Toyota Land Cruiser and dropped him outside the ED's office in Jamnagar House, in a move seen as sending a political message to Congress' opponents ahead of Lok Sabha polls. Shortly after, Priyanka took charge as AICC general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East, a fortnight after her formal induction into the Congress party on January 23. #WATCH Robert Vadra accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at the Enforcement Directorate office to appear in connection with a money laundering case. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra left soon after. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/WI8qlLtF0X — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × #WATCH: Congress General Secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives at Congress Headquarters in Delhi. Earlier today she had accompanied her husband Robert Vadra to Enforcement Directorate Office & left soon after. pic.twitter.com/2RDbaHG5JV — ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2019 × "He is my husband, he is my family...I support my family," Priyanka said in a show of support to Vadra, who returned from London earlier in the day. Priyanka was asked by newsmen at the All India Congress Committee(AICC) headquarters whether she was sending any message by dropping her husband at the ED office for questioning. Asked if it was a political vendetta, she said everyone knows why this is being done. On the day of Priyanka's appointment, Vadra had sent an emotional message to her. "Congratulations P... Always by your side in every phase of your life. Give it your best,? Vadra said in a Facebook post. It is for the first time that Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, is appearing before any probe agency in connection with alleged criminal charges of dubious financial dealings. After jostling with a posse of assembled media persons, Vadra entered the ED office at around 3:47 pm, minutes after a team of his lawyers reached the premises. He then signed the attendance register before being taken in for questioning. Vadra has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. Vadra has alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Ahead of the questioning by a team of 3 ED officials, official sources said Vadra will be put through a dozen questions on transactions, purchase and possession of certain immovable assets in London and his statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Vadra was directed by a Delhi court on February 2 to cooperate with the investigation being carried out by the ED after he knocked at its door seeking anticipatory bail in the money laundering case. The court directed him to appear before the ED on Wednesday on his return from London. The BJP seized on the questioning of Vadra to attack the Congress and allege he got kickbacks from a petroleum and defence deals took place during the UPA regime. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged at a news conference that Vadra bought 8 to 9 properties in London from the money he got as kickbacks from a petroleum and a defence deal which took place in 2008-09 when the UPA was in power. Patra did not provide any evidence to back up his claim. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi claimed that the charges against Vadra are "fickle, superficial, non-existent, non-substantive". The BJP had full four and a half years to investigate but could not find anything, he claimed at a news conference. The attempt is to mislead, confuse and to create and ambience before election, but people see through this, he said. "The ED, Income-Tax Department, the CBI, and 10 other agencies could not do a thing against him, for so many years. It shows that this is nothing but an 'electoral jumla'". The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him. The agency had told the court that it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belongs to Vadra. A local Congress leader Jagdish Sharma, questioned by the ED, in this case, few weeks ago, was present outside the agency's office after Vadra went in. Talking to newsmen, Sharma alleged that Vadra was being "framed" in the case. The ED had also carried out raids in the case in December last year and grilled his aide Manoj Arora, an employee of a firm linked to Vadra, Skylight Hospitality LLP. The agency had told the court that it filed the money laundering case against Arora after his role cropped up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the 2015 anti-blackmoney legislation against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for 1.9 million GBP and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately 65,900 GBP on its renovation. "This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had claimed before the court. Arora was a key person in the case and he was aware of Vadra's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged. Vadra has also been directed by the Rajasthan High Court to appear before the ED again on February 12 in connection with another money laundering case being probed by the agency.

Robert Vadra questioned by ED for over 5 hours; wife Priyanka says 'I support my family'

A Delhi court on Saturday extended by six days the ED custody of lawyer Gautam Khaitan, an accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, in connection with a fresh case of alleged possession of black money and money laundering.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar extended the ED custody of Khaitan, who was already being prosecuted in a case related to AgustaWestland and was out on bail.

The court also directed the agency to take medical care of Khaitan after he complained that he was not able to sleep properly.&nbsp;

The court had earlier sent him to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody after the agency alleged that he was operating and holding a number of foreign accounts illegally and thereby possessing black money and stashing assets.

The fresh criminal case under the PMLA was filed by the ED against Khaitan on the basis of a case filed by the Income Tax Department against him under Section 51 of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015.

A Delhi court on Saturday extended by six days the ED custody of lawyer Gautam Khaitan, an accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, in connection with a fresh case of alleged possession of black money and money laundering.

A Delhi court on Saturday extended by six days the ED custody of lawyer Gautam Khaitan, an accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam, in connection with a fresh case of alleged possession of black money and money laundering. Special Judge Arvind Kumar extended the ED custody of Khaitan, who was already being prosecuted in a case related to AgustaWestland and was out on bail. The court also directed the agency to take medical care of Khaitan after he complained that he was not able to sleep properly. The court had earlier sent him to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody after the agency alleged that he was operating and holding a number of foreign accounts illegally and thereby possessing black money and stashing assets. The fresh criminal case under the PMLA was filed by the ED against Khaitan on the basis of a case filed by the Income Tax Department against him under Section 51 of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015.

Delhi court extends ED custody of Gautam Khaitan by 6 days in fresh money laundering case

Robert Vadra Friday moved a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in a money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

A lawyer from the prosecution team confirmed that Vadra has sought anticipatory bail in the case in which his close aide Manoj Arora was granted interim protection from arrest till February 6 by the court.

The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- located at 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

Vadra's anticipatory bail application is likely to be heard by the court on Saturday.

On January 19, the ED had told the court that Arora was cooperating in the probe.

Arora had earlier alleged before the court that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government out of "political vendetta".

However, the ED had refuted the allegations, asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?"

The agency had told the court that it lodged the money laundering case against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly-enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had told the court.

Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case and he was aware of the latter's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, ED had alleged.

&nbsp;

Robert Vadra Friday moved a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in a money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A lawyer from the prosecution team confirmed that Vadra has sought anticipatory bail in the case in which his close aide Manoj Arora was granted interim protection from arrest till February 6 by the court.

Robert Vadra Friday moved a Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in a money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A lawyer from the prosecution team confirmed that Vadra has sought anticipatory bail in the case in which his close aide Manoj Arora was granted interim protection from arrest till February 6 by the court. The case relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property -- located at 12, Bryanston Square -- worth 1.9 million pounds, which is allegedly owned by Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Vadra's anticipatory bail application is likely to be heard by the court on Saturday. On January 19, the ED had told the court that Arora was cooperating in the probe. Arora had earlier alleged before the court that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government out of "political vendetta". However, the ED had refuted the allegations, asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?" The agency had told the court that it lodged the money laundering case against Arora after his role came up during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly-enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation. "This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had told the court. Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case and he was aware of the latter's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, ED had alleged.

Robert Vadra moves Delhi court seeking anticipatory bail in money laundering case

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Thursday opined that it is unfair to tag a "one-time <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-goes-to-attend-a-meeting-with-300-bags-enforcement-directorate-on-mallya-183609">loan defaulter Vijay Mallyaji</a>" as a "chor" (thief), adding that the embattled businessman has a four-decade-long track record of timely debt servicing.

Gadkari, however, clarified that he has no business dealing with Mallya, who faces extradition from the UK for alleged bank fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore.

"40 saal Mallya regular payment kar raha tha, byaaj bhar raha tha. 40 saal baad jab wo aviation mein gaya....Uske baad wo adchan mein aaya to woh ekdum chor ho gaya?...Jo pachaas saal byaaj bharta hai wo theek hai, par ek baar wo default ho gaya...Toh turant sab fraud ho gaya? Ye mansikta theek nahi hai."

(For 40 years Mallya was regularly paying interest on loans. After entering the aviation sector, he started facing problems, and suddenly he became a thief? If a person repays the interest for 50 years, and if he defaults once, then suddenly everything is fraud? This mindset is not correct), Gadkari said at an economic summit organised by the Times Group.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-judge-critical-of-indian-banks-in-mallya-extradition-case-183086">UK judge critical of Indian banks in Mallya extradition case</a>

Gadkari said the loan he was referring to was from the Maharashtra government-owned entity Sicom to Mallya, extended 40 years ago, which he repaid on time without any default.

Stating that ups and downs are part and parcel of any business, the road transport minister said if someone goes through a downward cycle, then he or she has to be supported.

"There are risks in the business, be it banking or insurance, there are ups and downs. But, if the mistakes are bona fide, because of global or internal factors in the economy like a recession, then that person who is facing difficulties must be given support," the minister said.

Likening an election loss to a business failure, he recalled how he lost an election when he was all of 26, but underlined that the loss did not mean that his political career ended.

"If Nirav Modi or Vijay Mallyaji has committed (financial) fraud then send them to jail, but whoever comes in distress, and if we label them as fraudster then our economy will not progress," he said.

Earlier this week, a London court had ordered Mallya's extradition, in a major boost to the government's efforts to bring back the fugitive businessman.

Ahead of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-extradition-to-speed-up-loan-recovery-process-sbi-183208">extradition hearing</a>, the 62-year-old former boss of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines offered to repay the entire principal amount to banks.

Gadkari has for long been calling for a more considerate and realistic approach to NPAs, and indirectly blamed the bankers for the NPA mess, saying our banking system is such that it does not support sick companies.

"When someone is serious then we put him/her in an ICU, but our banking system first puts a sick company in the ICU and then ensures that it dies," he quipped.

Last month, Gadkari had blamed the RBI for "complicating" project finance, saying over 150 projects involving over Rs 2 trillion investments are struggling to get financial closure.

"Unfortunately, many times ...The circulars issued by the RBI are creating more complications and this is one of the reasons why I am facing problems as far as financial closure is concerned," Gadkari had said.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Thursday opined that it is unfair to tag a "one-time loan defaulter Vijay Mallyaji" as a "chor" (thief), adding that the embattled businessman has a four-decade-long track record of timely debt servicing.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Thursday opined that it is unfair to tag a "one-time loan defaulter Vijay Mallyaji" as a "chor" (thief), adding that the embattled businessman has a four-decade-long track record of timely debt servicing. Gadkari, however, clarified that he has no business dealing with Mallya, who faces extradition from the UK for alleged bank fraud and money laundering amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crore. "40 saal Mallya regular payment kar raha tha, byaaj bhar raha tha. 40 saal baad jab wo aviation mein gaya....Uske baad wo adchan mein aaya to woh ekdum chor ho gaya?...Jo pachaas saal byaaj bharta hai wo theek hai, par ek baar wo default ho gaya...Toh turant sab fraud ho gaya? Ye mansikta theek nahi hai." (For 40 years Mallya was regularly paying interest on loans. After entering the aviation sector, he started facing problems, and suddenly he became a thief? If a person repays the interest for 50 years, and if he defaults once, then suddenly everything is fraud? This mindset is not correct), Gadkari said at an economic summit organised by the Times Group. Also read: UK judge critical of Indian banks in Mallya extradition case Gadkari said the loan he was referring to was from the Maharashtra government-owned entity Sicom to Mallya, extended 40 years ago, which he repaid on time without any default. Stating that ups and downs are part and parcel of any business, the road transport minister said if someone goes through a downward cycle, then he or she has to be supported. "There are risks in the business, be it banking or insurance, there are ups and downs. But, if the mistakes are bona fide, because of global or internal factors in the economy like a recession, then that person who is facing difficulties must be given support," the minister said. Likening an election loss to a business failure, he recalled how he lost an election when he was all of 26, but underlined that the loss did not mean that his political career ended. "If Nirav Modi or Vijay Mallyaji has committed (financial) fraud then send them to jail, but whoever comes in distress, and if we label them as fraudster then our economy will not progress," he said. Earlier this week, a London court had ordered Mallya's extradition, in a major boost to the government's efforts to bring back the fugitive businessman. Ahead of the extradition hearing, the 62-year-old former boss of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines offered to repay the entire principal amount to banks. Gadkari has for long been calling for a more considerate and realistic approach to NPAs, and indirectly blamed the bankers for the NPA mess, saying our banking system is such that it does not support sick companies. "When someone is serious then we put him/her in an ICU, but our banking system first puts a sick company in the ICU and then ensures that it dies," he quipped. Last month, Gadkari had blamed the RBI for "complicating" project finance, saying over 150 projects involving over Rs 2 trillion investments are struggling to get financial closure. "Unfortunately, many times ...The circulars issued by the RBI are creating more complications and this is one of the reasons why I am facing problems as far as financial closure is concerned," Gadkari had said.

Mallya a one-time defaulter, unfair to call him 'chor': Nitin Gadkari

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned ... and scared.

"I started sweating and shivering," said the 43-year-old &nbsp;-- just the latest victim of a money laundering scheme that Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, has vowed to crush.

When he got a call from the Federal Investigation Agency, Rasheed's first inclination was to go into hiding, but friends and family members finally convinced him to cooperate with officials. &nbsp;

His case mirrors dozens of similar stories in recent weeks that have filled newspapers in Pakistan and riled a populace long accustomed to extravagant tales of corruption and theft.

The incidents follow a similar arc -- bank accounts in poor residents' names are flooded with cash, then suddenly emptied in a laundering scheme that has likely seen hundreds of millions of dollars moved out of the country.

Rasheed's name was eventually cleared, but his anxiety remained.

"I stopped driving my rented rickshaw on the roads because of the fear that some other investigating agencies might pick me up," he said.&nbsp;

"My wife fell sick because of the tension."

Only weeks before the fiasco he had finally been able to buy a 300-rupee bike with worn tyres for his daughter -- the fruit of a year's careful saving.

'Stolen money'&nbsp;

The revelation of the laundering frenzy comes as the newly elected Khan has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions siphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances.

"This is your stolen money," said the former cricketer during a televised address to the nation Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It was stolen on public contracts... and transferred into these accounts, then laundered abroad.

"I will spare no corrupt man in this country," he promised.

But for victims like Mohammad Qadir the damage has already been done. &nbsp;

"I have never even seen a bank from the inside," said the 52-year-old ice cream vendor.

Transactions were nevertheless made in his name for 2.25 billion rupees.

Since news of the incident spread Qadir says he is regularly mocked by his neighbours and also fears being kidnapped by criminal elements who believe he has billions of rupees to spare for hefty ransoms.

"He is a penniless billionaire," one of Qadir's acquaintances laughed while driving past his ice cream cart in the Karachi slum of Orangi town.

"People make fun of me, but I ended up with nothing at all from this situation," said Qadir. "It is such a tragedy."

Sarwat Zehra, a 56-year-old official, says she has suffered from high-blood pressure after being handed a bill for 13 million rupees in back taxes.

"I was told that a company had illegally passed 14 or 15 billion rupees through my account," she said.

Pakistan's poor have long been used as fronts for the elite to dodge taxes and hide assets.

But the scale of the bank account scheme is unprecedented, with authorities pointing the finger at some of Karachi's wealthiest power brokers including figures with links to former president Asif Zardari.

'Blacklist'&nbsp;

In September, Pakistan's Supreme Court established a commission&nbsp;to investigate the scourge, finding that at least 400 million dollars had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people.

Some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal", the commission concluded.

It is all the more embarrassing for Khan as his administration scrambles to secure billions of dollars in foreign financial assistance, while also entering talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout amid a widening balance of payment crisis. &nbsp;

The brazen laundering schemes come as Pakistan was again placed on a watchlist this year by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) -- an anti money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to do enough to combat terror financing.

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned .

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned ... and scared. "I started sweating and shivering," said the 43-year-old -- just the latest victim of a money laundering scheme that Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, has vowed to crush. When he got a call from the Federal Investigation Agency, Rasheed's first inclination was to go into hiding, but friends and family members finally convinced him to cooperate with officials. His case mirrors dozens of similar stories in recent weeks that have filled newspapers in Pakistan and riled a populace long accustomed to extravagant tales of corruption and theft. The incidents follow a similar arc -- bank accounts in poor residents' names are flooded with cash, then suddenly emptied in a laundering scheme that has likely seen hundreds of millions of dollars moved out of the country. Rasheed's name was eventually cleared, but his anxiety remained. "I stopped driving my rented rickshaw on the roads because of the fear that some other investigating agencies might pick me up," he said. "My wife fell sick because of the tension." Only weeks before the fiasco he had finally been able to buy a 300-rupee bike with worn tyres for his daughter -- the fruit of a year's careful saving. 'Stolen money' The revelation of the laundering frenzy comes as the newly elected Khan has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions siphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances. "This is your stolen money," said the former cricketer during a televised address to the nation Wednesday. "It was stolen on public contracts... and transferred into these accounts, then laundered abroad. "I will spare no corrupt man in this country," he promised. But for victims like Mohammad Qadir the damage has already been done. "I have never even seen a bank from the inside," said the 52-year-old ice cream vendor. Transactions were nevertheless made in his name for 2.25 billion rupees. Since news of the incident spread Qadir says he is regularly mocked by his neighbours and also fears being kidnapped by criminal elements who believe he has billions of rupees to spare for hefty ransoms. "He is a penniless billionaire," one of Qadir's acquaintances laughed while driving past his ice cream cart in the Karachi slum of Orangi town. "People make fun of me, but I ended up with nothing at all from this situation," said Qadir. "It is such a tragedy." Sarwat Zehra, a 56-year-old official, says she has suffered from high-blood pressure after being handed a bill for 13 million rupees in back taxes. "I was told that a company had illegally passed 14 or 15 billion rupees through my account," she said. Pakistan's poor have long been used as fronts for the elite to dodge taxes and hide assets. But the scale of the bank account scheme is unprecedented, with authorities pointing the finger at some of Karachi's wealthiest power brokers including figures with links to former president Asif Zardari. 'Blacklist' In September, Pakistan's Supreme Court established a commission to investigate the scourge, finding that at least 400 million dollars had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people. Some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal", the commission concluded. It is all the more embarrassing for Khan as his administration scrambles to secure billions of dollars in foreign financial assistance, while also entering talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout amid a widening balance of payment crisis. The brazen laundering schemes come as Pakistan was again placed on a watchlist this year by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) -- an anti money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to do enough to combat terror financing.

Pakistan's 'penniless billionaires' expose money laundering frenzy

The appellate tribunal against money laundering on Wednesday directed Enforcement Directorate (ED) to maintain "status quo" with regard to the properties of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya till November 26.

Justice Manmohan Singh, chairman of Appellate Tribunal on Prevention of Money Laundering Act, restrained Mallya from dealing with his movable and immovable properties and creating third party interests. &nbsp; &nbsp;"Till the next date of hearing, Vijay Mallya is restrained not to deal with and alter the status of the movable and immovable properties...And shall not create third party interest in any manner directly or indirectly till the next date," the tribunal said.&nbsp;

"The respondent No 1 (ED) shall also maintain the status quo with regard to the properties, the details of which are mentioned in the impugned orders in both appeals till the next date," it added.

The tribunal said that once the banks, which are secured creditors, have obtained the final decree from the court, they are bound to receive the default loan amount from Vijay Mallya and his companies.

"In view of settled law on the subject, I am of the opinion that the appellant bank is the rightful claimant who have already obtained decree against the borrower from Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) under the SARFAESI Act and has a priority rights to recover the loans amount forthwith," Justice Manmohan Singh said.

The ED, he added, does not have "any lien over the said properties as the Appellant banks are now the Legal transferee of said properties", and it "may not retain the said property till the trial is over. They have no legal title and the property is to be returned to the persons lawfully entitled to recover the debts as they are the victim".

The tribunal rapped the ED for not impleading lender banks as parties despite knowing that the loan amounts have to be returned by Mallya and his associate company to them.

"ED has failed to perform his duty not to implead the appellants (lenders) banks despite having full knowledge that the loan amounts have to be returned by Vijay Mallya and his associate company to the banks who are the mortgagees of the attached properties. One fails to understand why they have not done so when they were full aware," the tribunal said.

The order came on a plea filed by State Bank of India and 11 other banks against the February 22, 2017 order passed by the Adjudicating Authority, New Delhi (under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002) confirming the Provisional Attachment Order passed by the Deputy Director, Directorate of Enforcement attaching various movable and immovable properties of Vijay Mallya.

The plea said that the Debt Recovery Tribunal's Bengaluru Bench had allowed recovery proceedings against Kingfisher Airlines Ltd and its promoter Vijay Mallya and directed them to repay 6,203 crore to the State Bank of India-led consortium.&nbsp;

They claimed that lender banks have prior right over the movable and immovable properties of Mallya.

ED argued however that it does not deny that they (banks) are "victims and innocent parties" who are entitled to recover the loan amount, but alleged that the properties cannot be allowed to dispose of at this stage as the possession lies with it till the completion of the trial otherwise it would harm and injury would be caused to the Enforcement Directorate.

Allowing a plea of a consortium of 15 banks for initiating proceedings to recover dues from the Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL), the DRT had in 2017 said that due amount of Rs 6,203.35 crore should be paid "jointly and severally" by the airline and its guarantors Mallya, United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd and Kingfisher Finvest (India) Ltd.&nbsp;

The tribunal had said the entire amount will also attract 11.5 per cent per annum from the date of the application till the date of completion of realisation.&nbsp;

The appellate tribunal against money laundering on Wednesday directed Enforcement Directorate (ED) to maintain "status quo" with regard to the properties of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya till November 26.

The appellate tribunal against money laundering on Wednesday directed Enforcement Directorate (ED) to maintain "status quo" with regard to the properties of fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya till November 26. Justice Manmohan Singh, chairman of Appellate Tribunal on Prevention of Money Laundering Act, restrained Mallya from dealing with his movable and immovable properties and creating third party interests. "Till the next date of hearing, Vijay Mallya is restrained not to deal with and alter the status of the movable and immovable properties...And shall not create third party interest in any manner directly or indirectly till the next date," the tribunal said. "The respondent No 1 (ED) shall also maintain the status quo with regard to the properties, the details of which are mentioned in the impugned orders in both appeals till the next date," it added. The tribunal said that once the banks, which are secured creditors, have obtained the final decree from the court, they are bound to receive the default loan amount from Vijay Mallya and his companies. "In view of settled law on the subject, I am of the opinion that the appellant bank is the rightful claimant who have already obtained decree against the borrower from Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) under the SARFAESI Act and has a priority rights to recover the loans amount forthwith," Justice Manmohan Singh said. The ED, he added, does not have "any lien over the said properties as the Appellant banks are now the Legal transferee of said properties", and it "may not retain the said property till the trial is over. They have no legal title and the property is to be returned to the persons lawfully entitled to recover the debts as they are the victim". The tribunal rapped the ED for not impleading lender banks as parties despite knowing that the loan amounts have to be returned by Mallya and his associate company to them. "ED has failed to perform his duty not to implead the appellants (lenders) banks despite having full knowledge that the loan amounts have to be returned by Vijay Mallya and his associate company to the banks who are the mortgagees of the attached properties. One fails to understand why they have not done so when they were full aware," the tribunal said. The order came on a plea filed by State Bank of India and 11 other banks against the February 22, 2017 order passed by the Adjudicating Authority, New Delhi (under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002) confirming the Provisional Attachment Order passed by the Deputy Director, Directorate of Enforcement attaching various movable and immovable properties of Vijay Mallya. The plea said that the Debt Recovery Tribunal's Bengaluru Bench had allowed recovery proceedings against Kingfisher Airlines Ltd and its promoter Vijay Mallya and directed them to repay 6,203 crore to the State Bank of India-led consortium. They claimed that lender banks have prior right over the movable and immovable properties of Mallya. ED argued however that it does not deny that they (banks) are "victims and innocent parties" who are entitled to recover the loan amount, but alleged that the properties cannot be allowed to dispose of at this stage as the possession lies with it till the completion of the trial otherwise it would harm and injury would be caused to the Enforcement Directorate. Allowing a plea of a consortium of 15 banks for initiating proceedings to recover dues from the Kingfisher Airlines Ltd (KAL), the DRT had in 2017 said that due amount of Rs 6,203.35 crore should be paid "jointly and severally" by the airline and its guarantors Mallya, United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd and Kingfisher Finvest (India) Ltd. The tribunal had said the entire amount will also attract 11.5 per cent per annum from the date of the application till the date of completion of realisation.

PMLA tribunal asks ED to maintain status quo on Mallya's properties till Nov 26

Former South African President Jacob Zuma, who was ousted by his own party in February, appeared at the Durban High Court on Friday for the second time on corruption charges relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal in the late 1990s.

Zuma faces 16 charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to the deal to buy European military hardware to upgrade South Africa's armed forces after the end of apartheid in 1994.

State prosecutors and Zuma's lawyers presented arguments over a start date for the trial, a rare example of an African leader being held to account for his actions.

Judge Mjabuliseni Madondo adjourned the case to July 27 for the state and the defence to indicate whether they can commence the case. The matter will be heard in the nearby city of Pietermaritzburg to allow for renovations at the Durban court.

"There are still some applications to be launched," he said, adding that it was still too early to say when a trial could start. Lawyers for the state said they were still ready for a trial to start in November.

Zuma, clad in a dark suit and red tie, shook hands and laughed with his supporters as he left the court. Outside, hundreds of supporters sang his name and waved placards.

The national prosecutor this week turned down a request by the 76-year-old to delay Friday's hearing pending the outcome of a separate legal challenge over the state paying his legal fees.

The speed with which prosecutors have moved against Zuma is a sign of his waning influence since he was replaced as head of state by Cyril Ramaphosa, his former deputy, four months ago.

Ramaphosa has made the fight against corruption a top priority as he seeks to woo foreign investment and revamp an ailing economy.

Zuma's supporters say the former president, whose nine years in power were marked by economic stagnation and credit rating downgrades, is the victim of a politically motivated witch-hunt.

Zuma faces 16 charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering

Former South African President Jacob Zuma, who was ousted by his own party in February, appeared at the Durban High Court on Friday for the second time on corruption charges relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal in the late 1990s. Zuma faces 16 charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to the deal to buy European military hardware to upgrade South Africa's armed forces after the end of apartheid in 1994. State prosecutors and Zuma's lawyers presented arguments over a start date for the trial, a rare example of an African leader being held to account for his actions. Judge Mjabuliseni Madondo adjourned the case to July 27 for the state and the defence to indicate whether they can commence the case. The matter will be heard in the nearby city of Pietermaritzburg to allow for renovations at the Durban court. "There are still some applications to be launched," he said, adding that it was still too early to say when a trial could start. Lawyers for the state said they were still ready for a trial to start in November. Zuma, clad in a dark suit and red tie, shook hands and laughed with his supporters as he left the court. Outside, hundreds of supporters sang his name and waved placards. The national prosecutor this week turned down a request by the 76-year-old to delay Friday's hearing pending the outcome of a separate legal challenge over the state paying his legal fees. The speed with which prosecutors have moved against Zuma is a sign of his waning influence since he was replaced as head of state by Cyril Ramaphosa, his former deputy, four months ago. Ramaphosa has made the fight against corruption a top priority as he seeks to woo foreign investment and revamp an ailing economy. Zuma's supporters say the former president, whose nine years in power were marked by economic stagnation and credit rating downgrades, is the victim of a politically motivated witch-hunt.

South Africa's ex-president Zuma makes second court appearance on corruption charges

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday attached assets worth Rs 177 crore owned by Kanpur-based Rotomac Global in connection with its money laundering case.&nbsp

The Rotomac Global group has been involved in an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 3,695 crore.&nbsp

The agency said it has issued a provisional order yesterday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for attachment of properties "owned by Ms Rotomac Global Private Limited and its directors located at Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Ahmedabad and Gandhi Nagar (Gujarat) and Mumbai (Maharashtra) valuing Rs 177 crore."&nbsp

Previously on February 27, Income Tax (IT) Department filed 12 prosecution cases against Rotomac Global under various sections of the IT Act, 1961 in connection with the alleged loan default.

It alleged that these assets were the "proceeds of crime" of the illegal act of money laundering.&nbsp

The ED probe revealed, the agency said in a statement, that Ms Rotomac Global Private Limited "indulged in merchanting trade with limited number of buyers and sellers and it used to receive back the discounted LC (letters of credit) amount from the overseas beneficiary after deduction of 1.5-2 per cent commission by them either directly into the accounts of Rotomac group companies or into the accounts of overseas companies controlled by owner Vikram Kothari."&nbsp

This discounted LC amount, it said, thereafter has been used by the firm for "other business activities" such as FDR (fixed deposit receipts), iron ore purchase and investment in real estate.&nbsp

The CBI had earlier registered an FIR against Kotharis who allegedly owe Rs 754.77 crore to the Bank of India, Rs 456.63 crore to the Bank of Baroda, Rs 771.07 crore to the Indian Overseas Bank, Rs 458.95 crore to the Union Bank of India, Rs 330.68 crore to the Allahabad Bank, Rs 49.82 crore to the Bank of Maharashtra and Rs 97.47 crore to the Oriental Bank of Commerce.

The ED probe was aimed at finding out if the funds obtained through the alleged fraud were laundered and if the proceeds of the crime were subsequently used by the accused to create illegal assets and black money.&nbsp 
&nbsp

The Rotomac Global group has been involved in an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 3,695 crore

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday attached assets worth Rs 177 crore owned by Kanpur-based Rotomac Global in connection with its money laundering case. The Rotomac Global group has been involved in an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 3,695 crore. The agency said it has issued a provisional order yesterday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for attachment of properties "owned by Ms Rotomac Global Private Limited and its directors located at Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Ahmedabad and Gandhi Nagar (Gujarat) and Mumbai (Maharashtra) valuing Rs 177 crore." Previously on February 27, Income Tax (IT) Department filed 12 prosecution cases against Rotomac Global under various sections of the IT Act, 1961 in connection with the alleged loan default. It alleged that these assets were the "proceeds of crime" of the illegal act of money laundering. The ED probe revealed, the agency said in a statement, that Ms Rotomac Global Private Limited "indulged in merchanting trade with limited number of buyers and sellers and it used to receive back the discounted LC (letters of credit) amount from the overseas beneficiary after deduction of 1.5-2 per cent commission by them either directly into the accounts of Rotomac group companies or into the accounts of overseas companies controlled by owner Vikram Kothari." This discounted LC amount, it said, thereafter has been used by the firm for "other business activities" such as FDR (fixed deposit receipts), iron ore purchase and investment in real estate. The CBI had earlier registered an FIR against Kotharis who allegedly owe Rs 754.77 crore to the Bank of India, Rs 456.63 crore to the Bank of Baroda, Rs 771.07 crore to the Indian Overseas Bank, Rs 458.95 crore to the Union Bank of India, Rs 330.68 crore to the Allahabad Bank, Rs 49.82 crore to the Bank of Maharashtra and Rs 97.47 crore to the Oriental Bank of Commerce. The ED probe was aimed at finding out if the funds obtained through the alleged fraud were laundered and if the proceeds of the crime were subsequently used by the accused to create illegal assets and black money.

ED attaches Rs 177 crore assets of Rotomac global

Pakistan has been identified among three main source countries for money laundering in the UK, according to an analysis by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The agency found that Britain was the prime destination for corrupt 'politically exposed persons'&nbsp(PEPs) to invest their funds and the most common source countries of those funds were Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan.

The UK is a prime destination for foreign corrupt PEPs to launder the proceeds of corruption. Investment in UK property, particularly in London, continues to be an attractive mechanism to launder funds, the NCA notes in its National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime 2018' released last week.

The true scale of PEPs' investment in the UK is not known, however, the source countries that are most commonly seen are Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan,&nbspit adds.

The NCA, a non-ministerial UK government law enforcement agency, found that a small number&nbspof UK-based professional enablers, such as solicitors, accountants, estate agents and trust and company service providers, assist such corrupt individuals in laundering their money in Britain.

The overseas jurisdictions that have the most enduring impact on the UK across the majority of the different money laundering threats are: Russia, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Some of these jurisdictions have large financial sectors which also make them attractive as destinations or transit points for the proceeds of crime, the NCA report notes. 
 
It also warns of a Brexit-related spike in corrupt activities between the UK and countries outside the European Union (EU).

The report states, As the UK moves towards exiting the EU in March 2019, UK-based businesses may look to increase the amount of trade they have with non-EU countries.

"We judge, this will increase the likelihood that UK businesses will come into contact with corrupt markets, particularly in the developing world, raising the risk they will be drawn into corrupt practices."

The agency found that Britain was the prime destination for corrupt 'politically exposed persons' (PEPs) to invest their funds and the most common source countries of those funds were Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan

Pakistan has been identified among three main source countries for money laundering in the UK, according to an analysis by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The agency found that Britain was the prime destination for corrupt 'politically exposed persons' (PEPs) to invest their funds and the most common source countries of those funds were Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan. The UK is a prime destination for foreign corrupt PEPs to launder the proceeds of corruption. Investment in UK property, particularly in London, continues to be an attractive mechanism to launder funds, the NCA notes in its National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime 2018' released last week. The true scale of PEPs' investment in the UK is not known, however, the source countries that are most commonly seen are Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan,&nbspit adds. The NCA, a non-ministerial UK government law enforcement agency, found that a small number&nbspof UK-based professional enablers, such as solicitors, accountants, estate agents and trust and company service providers, assist such corrupt individuals in laundering their money in Britain. The overseas jurisdictions that have the most enduring impact on the UK across the majority of the different money laundering threats are: Russia, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Some of these jurisdictions have large financial sectors which also make them attractive as destinations or transit points for the proceeds of crime, the NCA report notes. It also warns of a Brexit-related spike in corrupt activities between the UK and countries outside the European Union (EU). The report states, As the UK moves towards exiting the EU in March 2019, UK-based businesses may look to increase the amount of trade they have with non-EU countries. "We judge, this will increase the likelihood that UK businesses will come into contact with corrupt markets, particularly in the developing world, raising the risk they will be drawn into corrupt practices."

Pakistan key source of money laundering in UK: Report

A UK court on Friday admitted the bulk of the evidence submitted by the CBI against Vijay Mallya in connection with his ongoing extradition trial, giving a boost to India's efforts to bring back the embattled liquor baron to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore.

The 62-year-old flambouyant businessman, who appeared in the Westminister Magistrate's Court here, had his 650,000 pounds bail extended until the next date of hearing on July 11.

When the court reconvenes, oral submissions will be made on closing arguments to be submitted in writing to Judge Emma Arbuthnot over the next two months.&nbsp;

The judge is then expected to indicate plans for a verdict in the case at the next hearing.

During the hearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) got a boost as Judge Arbuthnot confirmed that the bulk of the evidence submitted by it will be admissible.

Today's hearing comes days after the Indian government's High Court appeal against a previous Westminster Magistrates' Court extradition ruling that had been denied.

UK-based Sanjeev Kumar Chawla, wanted in India as a key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hanse Cronje in 2000, had been discharged in October last year on human rights grounds over severe conditions in Delhi's Tihar Jail, where the accused was to be held on being extradited.

District Judge Rebecca Crane had based her verdict to discharge Chawla largely upon the testimony of Dr Alan Mitchell, former head of healthcare at the Scottish Prison Service and an elected member of the European Council's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).

Mallya's defence team has previously deposed the same prisons expert in his extradition case, who told Judge Arbuthnot during the course of the trial that conditions in all Indian jails are "far from satisfactory".

During the last hearing in the case in March, CPS barrister Mark Summers reiterated that the Indian government had provided further clarifications related to an availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from the UK.

The trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last year, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against Mallya, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016.

It also seeks to prove there are no "bars to extradition" and that the tycoon is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of over Rs 9,000 crore in loans from a consortium of Indian banks.

The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented establishes "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts.

Mallya's defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no "fraudulent" intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India.

If the judge rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order.

However, both sides will have the chance to appeal to higher courts in the UK against the Magistrates' Court verdict.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/my-democratic-right-to-vote-in-karnataka-elections-says-vijay-mallya-133253">'My democratic right to vote in Karnataka elections,' says Vijay Mallya</a>

The 62-year-old flambouyant businessman, who appeared in the Westminister Magistrate's Court here, had his 650,000 pounds bail extended until the next date of hearing on July 11

A UK court on Friday admitted the bulk of the evidence submitted by the CBI against Vijay Mallya in connection with his ongoing extradition trial, giving a boost to India's efforts to bring back the embattled liquor baron to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore. The 62-year-old flambouyant businessman, who appeared in the Westminister Magistrate's Court here, had his 650,000 pounds bail extended until the next date of hearing on July 11. When the court reconvenes, oral submissions will be made on closing arguments to be submitted in writing to Judge Emma Arbuthnot over the next two months. The judge is then expected to indicate plans for a verdict in the case at the next hearing. During the hearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) got a boost as Judge Arbuthnot confirmed that the bulk of the evidence submitted by it will be admissible. Today's hearing comes days after the Indian government's High Court appeal against a previous Westminster Magistrates' Court extradition ruling that had been denied. UK-based Sanjeev Kumar Chawla, wanted in India as a key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hanse Cronje in 2000, had been discharged in October last year on human rights grounds over severe conditions in Delhi's Tihar Jail, where the accused was to be held on being extradited. District Judge Rebecca Crane had based her verdict to discharge Chawla largely upon the testimony of Dr Alan Mitchell, former head of healthcare at the Scottish Prison Service and an elected member of the European Council's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). Mallya's defence team has previously deposed the same prisons expert in his extradition case, who told Judge Arbuthnot during the course of the trial that conditions in all Indian jails are "far from satisfactory". During the last hearing in the case in March, CPS barrister Mark Summers reiterated that the Indian government had provided further clarifications related to an availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from the UK. The trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last year, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against Mallya, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016. It also seeks to prove there are no "bars to extradition" and that the tycoon is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of over Rs 9,000 crore in loans from a consortium of Indian banks. The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented establishes "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts. Mallya's defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no "fraudulent" intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India. If the judge rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order. However, both sides will have the chance to appeal to higher courts in the UK against the Magistrates' Court verdict. Also read: 'My democratic right to vote in Karnataka elections,' says Vijay Mallya

Mallya case: CBI gets boost on evidence admissibility, next hearing on July 11

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya was back in a UK court on Friday for a hearing in his ongoing extradition trial.

The 62-year-old, who is wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore, is currently on a 650,000 pounds bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April last year.

"It's another day in court", Mallya told reporters outside the Westminster Magistrates' Court here.&nbsp;

Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot is set to consider some additional material sought from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, hear closing arguments, and set a timeline for a verdict in the case&nbsp;which is expected by next month.

At the last hearing in the case on March 16, the judge had noted that it was "blindingly obvious" that rules were being broken by Indian banks which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines owned by Mallya.

"There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines (in sanctioning some of the loans)," she said, "inviting" the Indian authorities to explain the case against some of the bank officials involved because that relates to the "conspiracy" allegations against Mallya.

At the end of that hearing, the judge had indicated her decision on the admissibility of evidence would go in favour of admitting some material and excluding some affidavits, which she said did not pertain to the prima facie case of fraud.

Mallya's counsel, Clare Montgomery, had also argued that evidence which was claimed as a "blueprint of dishonesty" by the CPS was, in fact, a privileged interaction between Mallya and his lawyer about "legal advice in clear contemplation of litigation" and hence should be inadmissible.

The judge said she was still "on the fence" about admitting that correspondence.

Today's hearing comes days after the Indian government's High Court appeal against a previous Westminster Magistrates' Court extradition ruling that had been denied.

UK-based Sanjeev Kumar Chawla, wanted in India as a key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hanse Cronje in 2000, had been discharged in October last year on human rights grounds over severe conditions in Delhi's Tihar Jail, where the accused was to be held on being extradited.

District Judge Rebecca Crane had based her verdict to discharge Chawla largely upon the testimony of Dr Alan Mitchell, former head of healthcare at the Scottish Prison Service and an elected member of the European Council's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).

Mallya's defence team has previously deposed the same prisons expert in his extradition case, who told Judge Arbuthnot during the course of the trial that conditions in all Indian jails are "far from satisfactory".&nbsp;

During the last hearing in the case in March, CPS barrister Mark Summers reiterated that the Indian government had provided further clarifications related to the availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from the UK.

The trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last year, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against Mallya, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016.&nbsp;

It also seeks to prove there are no "bars to extradition" and that the tycoon is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of over Rs 9,000 crore in loans from a consortium of Indian banks.

The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented establishes "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts.

Mallya's defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no "fraudulent" intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India.

If the judge rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order.&nbsp;

However, both sides will have the chance to appeal to higher courts in the UK against the Magistrates' Court verdict.

Vijay Mallya is wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya was back in a UK court on Friday for a hearing in his ongoing extradition trial. The 62-year-old, who is wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore, is currently on a 650,000 pounds bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April last year. "It's another day in court", Mallya told reporters outside the Westminster Magistrates' Court here. Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot is set to consider some additional material sought from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, hear closing arguments, and set a timeline for a verdict in the case which is expected by next month. At the last hearing in the case on March 16, the judge had noted that it was "blindingly obvious" that rules were being broken by Indian banks which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines owned by Mallya. "There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines (in sanctioning some of the loans)," she said, "inviting" the Indian authorities to explain the case against some of the bank officials involved because that relates to the "conspiracy" allegations against Mallya. At the end of that hearing, the judge had indicated her decision on the admissibility of evidence would go in favour of admitting some material and excluding some affidavits, which she said did not pertain to the prima facie case of fraud. Mallya's counsel, Clare Montgomery, had also argued that evidence which was claimed as a "blueprint of dishonesty" by the CPS was, in fact, a privileged interaction between Mallya and his lawyer about "legal advice in clear contemplation of litigation" and hence should be inadmissible. The judge said she was still "on the fence" about admitting that correspondence. Today's hearing comes days after the Indian government's High Court appeal against a previous Westminster Magistrates' Court extradition ruling that had been denied. UK-based Sanjeev Kumar Chawla, wanted in India as a key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hanse Cronje in 2000, had been discharged in October last year on human rights grounds over severe conditions in Delhi's Tihar Jail, where the accused was to be held on being extradited. District Judge Rebecca Crane had based her verdict to discharge Chawla largely upon the testimony of Dr Alan Mitchell, former head of healthcare at the Scottish Prison Service and an elected member of the European Council's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). Mallya's defence team has previously deposed the same prisons expert in his extradition case, who told Judge Arbuthnot during the course of the trial that conditions in all Indian jails are "far from satisfactory". During the last hearing in the case in March, CPS barrister Mark Summers reiterated that the Indian government had provided further clarifications related to the availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from the UK. The trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last year, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against Mallya, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016. It also seeks to prove there are no "bars to extradition" and that the tycoon is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of over Rs 9,000 crore in loans from a consortium of Indian banks. The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented establishes "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts. Mallya's defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no "fraudulent" intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India. If the judge rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order. However, both sides will have the chance to appeal to higher courts in the UK against the Magistrates' Court verdict.

Vijay Mallya back in UK court for extradition hearing

The Supreme Court on Monday suspended further hearing on an alleged money laundering case filed against Karti Chidambaram till April 27, reports said.&nbsp

With this ruling, the interim protection previously granted to Karti, who cannot be arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) till the next date of hearing, is extended.

The ED is looking to remand the political heavyweight into its custody and for further investigation over his alleged involvement in the INX Media PMLA case and the Aircel-Maxis case.

Karti sought to strike down ED's power of arrest under section 19 of the PMLA, besides seeking quashing of the enforcement case information report (ECIR) and the probe being carried out by the agency.

Earlier, the apex court extended the interim protection of Karti from March 26 to April 2.

On February 28, Karti was arrested at the Chennai airport on his return from the UK for his alleged role in facilitating Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance for INX Media Ltd and its directors, Peter and Indrani Mukerjea.

Karti allegedly took service charges for getting the clearance to INX Media for receiving funds from abroad worth Rs 3.05 billion in 2007 when his father P Chidambaram was the Union finance minister in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

The ED is looking to remand the political heavyweight into its custody and for further investigation over his alleged involvement in the INX Media PMLA case and the Aircel-Maxis case

The Supreme Court on Monday suspended further hearing on an alleged money laundering case filed against Karti Chidambaram till April 27, reports said. With this ruling, the interim protection previously granted to Karti, who cannot be arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) till the next date of hearing, is extended. The ED is looking to remand the political heavyweight into its custody and for further investigation over his alleged involvement in the INX Media PMLA case and the Aircel-Maxis case. Karti sought to strike down ED's power of arrest under section 19 of the PMLA, besides seeking quashing of the enforcement case information report (ECIR) and the probe being carried out by the agency. Earlier, the apex court extended the interim protection of Karti from March 26 to April 2. On February 28, Karti was arrested at the Chennai airport on his return from the UK for his alleged role in facilitating Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance for INX Media Ltd and its directors, Peter and Indrani Mukerjea. Karti allegedly took service charges for getting the clearance to INX Media for receiving funds from abroad worth Rs 3.05 billion in 2007 when his father P Chidambaram was the Union finance minister in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

INX Media case: Supreme Court suspends hearing to April 27

Two Canadian brothers of Indian-origin have been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly operating an Internet-based unlicensed money service business that processed more than $250 million in transactions.

Firoz Patel, 43, and Ferhan Patel, 37, who live in the area of Montreal, Quebec, are charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and to violate anti-money laundering programme requirements, one count of a money laundering conspiracy and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business in the District of Columbia.

Each of the brothers faces a maximum sentence of more than 25 years if convicted, US Attorney Jessie Liu and Special Agent in Charge of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement&#39;s Homeland Security Investigations Washington DC Patrick Lechleitner said.

Ferhan Patel was arrested on March 18 in Detroit. He remains held pending further proceedings in the District of Columbia. His brother remains at large.

&quot;Money transmitting businesses are required to be registered federally and licensed in most states and jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia. Consumers should beware of those that do not follow these laws because they could be acting as a cover for other illegal activity,&#39;&#39; Liu said.

The indictment alleges that the criminal activity took place from in or about March 2012 until the present. The defendants, through their company Payza.Com, are accused of operating a money transmitting business that operated without the necessary state licenses and knowingly transmitting funds that were derived from illegal activity.

Payza.Com allegedly processed more than $250 million of proceeds from Ponzi schemes, child pornography rings, and other criminal enterprises.

Despite receiving cease and desist letters from various states, and being told by a consultant that operating a money transmission business without the necessary licenses was a crime, Firoz and Ferhan Patel continued their illegal activity, the indictment alleges.

The indictment alleges that the Patels, together with other co-conspirators, are responsible for transmitting over $250 million throughout the United States and elsewhere. The investigation is continuing.

The Patels opened bank accounts in the US and laundered their illegal proceeds through those accounts. The indictment seeks forfeiture of any property involved in these offences or traceable to these offences as well as specific forfeiture of approximately $10 million that has already been seized and frozen.

The brothers have been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly operating an Internet-based unlicensed money service business

Two Canadian brothers of Indian-origin have been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly operating an Internet-based unlicensed money service business that processed more than $250 million in transactions. Firoz Patel, 43, and Ferhan Patel, 37, who live in the area of Montreal, Quebec, are charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business and to violate anti-money laundering programme requirements, one count of a money laundering conspiracy and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business in the District of Columbia. Each of the brothers faces a maximum sentence of more than 25 years if convicted, US Attorney Jessie Liu and Special Agent in Charge of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations Washington DC Patrick Lechleitner said. Ferhan Patel was arrested on March 18 in Detroit. He remains held pending further proceedings in the District of Columbia. His brother remains at large. "Money transmitting businesses are required to be registered federally and licensed in most states and jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia. Consumers should beware of those that do not follow these laws because they could be acting as a cover for other illegal activity,'' Liu said. The indictment alleges that the criminal activity took place from in or about March 2012 until the present. The defendants, through their company Payza.Com, are accused of operating a money transmitting business that operated without the necessary state licenses and knowingly transmitting funds that were derived from illegal activity. Payza.Com allegedly processed more than $250 million of proceeds from Ponzi schemes, child pornography rings, and other criminal enterprises. Despite receiving cease and desist letters from various states, and being told by a consultant that operating a money transmission business without the necessary licenses was a crime, Firoz and Ferhan Patel continued their illegal activity, the indictment alleges. The indictment alleges that the Patels, together with other co-conspirators, are responsible for transmitting over $250 million throughout the United States and elsewhere. The investigation is continuing. The Patels opened bank accounts in the US and laundered their illegal proceeds through those accounts. The indictment seeks forfeiture of any property involved in these offences or traceable to these offences as well as specific forfeiture of approximately $10 million that has already been seized and frozen.

Two Indian-origin brothers indicted for money laundering by US court

The British judge hearing the extradition case of liquor baron&nbsp;Vijay Mallya&nbsp;today said that it was &quot;blindingly obvious&quot; that rules were being broken by Indian banks which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile&nbsp;Kingfisher Airlines.

Presiding over a hearing at Westminster Magistrates&#39; Court in London, Judge Emma Arbuthnot described the case as a &quot;jigsaw puzzle&quot; with different pieces of &quot;massive evidence&quot; to be put together to paint a picture, which she said she was now able to see &quot;more clearly&quot; than a few months ago. 
 
&quot;There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines [in sanctioning some of the loans],&quot; she said, &quot;inviting&quot; the Indian authorities to explain the case against some of the bank officials involved because that relates to the &quot;conspiracy&quot; point against Mallya. 
 
The 62-year-old businessman, who is on trial for the UK court to rule if he can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores, watched the proceedings from the dock. 
 
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, laid out their arguments against the defence calling into question the admissibility of some of evidence submitted by the Indian authorities. 
 
Pointing out that Mallya had &quot;chosen not to give evidence&quot; in the case, CPS counsel Mark Summers rejected the defence claims on the evidence as &quot;nonsense&quot;. 
 
&quot;The government of India has established by other copious evidence a prima facie case of fraud,&quot; he said. 
 
The judge is expected to rule on the admissibility of evidence and set a timeframe for her final verdict. However, the matter could be delayed over further clarifications required on the source of some of the emails submitted as evidence by the Indian authorities. 
 
Mallya&#39;s counsel, Clare Montgomery, argued that evidence that was claimed as a &quot;blueprint of dishonesty&quot; by the CPS was in fact privileged conversation between Mallya and his lawyer about &quot;legal advice in clear contemplation of litigation&quot; and hence should be inadmissible. 
 
On a separate category of evidence presented by the Indian government, Mallya&#39;s team questioned the reliability of investigating officers in the case and pointed to over 150 pages of &quot;near identical material&quot; purporting to be statement of witnesses taken under Section 161 of the Indian CrPC. 
 
&quot;They do not appear to be in any way an account of things that witnesses would have said but rather seem to be somebody else&#39;s analysis put into the mouths of the witnesses, down to the spelling mistakes,&quot; Montgomery said, adding that the documents were &quot;identically reproduced&quot; with not only the same words but also the same typing errors. 
 
The judge did not seem to be convinced by this argument and said she had found only two-three cases of mistakes but did not see a &quot;problem&quot; in the preparation of the statements. 
 
Judge Arbuthnot had also sought further clarifications related to availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from&nbsp;Britain. 
 
The CPS indicated to the judge that the government had provided all the necessary clarifications along with photographs of the two cells that comprise Barrack 12. 
 
The extradition trial, which opened at the London court on December 4, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against the tycoon, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016. It also seeks to prove that there are no &quot;bars to extradition&quot; and that Mallya is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines&#39; alleged default of loans from a consortium of Indian banks.

The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented confirms &quot;dishonesty&quot; on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts. 
 
Mallya&#39;s defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no &quot;fraudulent&quot; intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India.

Mallya was arrested by&nbsp;Scotland Yard&nbsp;on an extradition warrant in April 2017 and has been out on bail on a bond worth 650,000 pounds. Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot is expected to pronounce her verdict in the case by May this year. 
 
If she rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya&#39;s extradition order. However, both sides will have the chance to appeal in higher courts in the UK against the chief magistrate&#39;s verdict.

&nbsp;

The 62-year-old businessman, who is on trial for the UK court to rule if he can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores, watched the proceedings from the dock

The British judge hearing the extradition case of liquor baron Vijay Mallya today said that it was "blindingly obvious" that rules were being broken by Indian banks which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines. Presiding over a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, Judge Emma Arbuthnot described the case as a "jigsaw puzzle" with different pieces of "massive evidence" to be put together to paint a picture, which she said she was now able to see "more clearly" than a few months ago. "There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines [in sanctioning some of the loans]," she said, "inviting" the Indian authorities to explain the case against some of the bank officials involved because that relates to the "conspiracy" point against Mallya. The 62-year-old businessman, who is on trial for the UK court to rule if he can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores, watched the proceedings from the dock. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, laid out their arguments against the defence calling into question the admissibility of some of evidence submitted by the Indian authorities. Pointing out that Mallya had "chosen not to give evidence" in the case, CPS counsel Mark Summers rejected the defence claims on the evidence as "nonsense". "The government of India has established by other copious evidence a prima facie case of fraud," he said. The judge is expected to rule on the admissibility of evidence and set a timeframe for her final verdict. However, the matter could be delayed over further clarifications required on the source of some of the emails submitted as evidence by the Indian authorities. Mallya's counsel, Clare Montgomery, argued that evidence that was claimed as a "blueprint of dishonesty" by the CPS was in fact privileged conversation between Mallya and his lawyer about "legal advice in clear contemplation of litigation" and hence should be inadmissible. On a separate category of evidence presented by the Indian government, Mallya's team questioned the reliability of investigating officers in the case and pointed to over 150 pages of "near identical material" purporting to be statement of witnesses taken under Section 161 of the Indian CrPC. "They do not appear to be in any way an account of things that witnesses would have said but rather seem to be somebody else's analysis put into the mouths of the witnesses, down to the spelling mistakes," Montgomery said, adding that the documents were "identically reproduced" with not only the same words but also the same typing errors. The judge did not seem to be convinced by this argument and said she had found only two-three cases of mistakes but did not see a "problem" in the preparation of the statements. Judge Arbuthnot had also sought further clarifications related to availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from Britain. The CPS indicated to the judge that the government had provided all the necessary clarifications along with photographs of the two cells that comprise Barrack 12. The extradition trial, which opened at the London court on December 4, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against the tycoon, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016. It also seeks to prove that there are no "bars to extradition" and that Mallya is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of loans from a consortium of Indian banks. The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented confirms "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts. Mallya's defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no "fraudulent" intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India. Mallya was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant in April 2017 and has been out on bail on a bond worth 650,000 pounds. Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot is expected to pronounce her verdict in the case by May this year. If she rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order. However, both sides will have the chance to appeal in higher courts in the UK against the chief magistrate's verdict.

Vijay Mallya case: UK judge says 'obvious' Indian banks broke rules

Two Pakistani businessmen have pleaded guilty before a US court to money laundering in connection with funds they received for the unlawful export of goods to Pakistan.

Muhammad Ismail, 67, and Kamran Khan 38, now face a maximum jail term of 20 years.

Since the time of their arrests in December 2016, Ismail has been released on a $50,000 bond, and Kamran Khan has been released on a $100,000 bond.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2012 to December 2016, Ismail, and his two sons, Kamran and Imran Khan, were engaged in a scheme to purchase goods that were controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and to export those goods without a license to Pakistan, in violation of the EAR.

Imran, 43, has already pleaded guilty to violating US export laws.

Through companies conducting business as Brush Locker Tools, Kauser Enterprises-USA, and Kauser Enterprises-Pakistan, the three defendants received orders from a Pakistani company that procured materials and equipment for the Pakistani military, requesting them to procure specific products that were subject to the EAR.

When US manufacturers asked about the end-user for a product, they either informed the manufacturer that the product would remain in the US or completed an end-user certification indicating that the product would not be exported, federal prosecutors said.

After the products were purchased, they were shipped by the manufacturer to them in Connecticut.

The products were then shipped to Pakistan on behalf of either the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, the Pakistan Space &amp; Upper Atmosphere Research Commission or the National Institute of Lasers &amp; Optronics, all of which were listed on the US Department of Commerce Entity List.

The Entity List identifies foreign parties that are prohibited from receiving some or all items subject to the EAR unless the exporter secures a license.

They never obtained a license to export any item to the designated entities even though they knew that a license was required prior to export.&nbsp;

Two Pakistani businessmen have pleaded guilty before a US court to money laundering in connection with funds they received for the unlawful export of goods to Pakistan

Two Pakistani businessmen have pleaded guilty before a US court to money laundering in connection with funds they received for the unlawful export of goods to Pakistan. Muhammad Ismail, 67, and Kamran Khan 38, now face a maximum jail term of 20 years. Since the time of their arrests in December 2016, Ismail has been released on a $50,000 bond, and Kamran Khan has been released on a $100,000 bond. According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2012 to December 2016, Ismail, and his two sons, Kamran and Imran Khan, were engaged in a scheme to purchase goods that were controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and to export those goods without a license to Pakistan, in violation of the EAR. Imran, 43, has already pleaded guilty to violating US export laws. Through companies conducting business as Brush Locker Tools, Kauser Enterprises-USA, and Kauser Enterprises-Pakistan, the three defendants received orders from a Pakistani company that procured materials and equipment for the Pakistani military, requesting them to procure specific products that were subject to the EAR. When US manufacturers asked about the end-user for a product, they either informed the manufacturer that the product would remain in the US or completed an end-user certification indicating that the product would not be exported, federal prosecutors said. After the products were purchased, they were shipped by the manufacturer to them in Connecticut. The products were then shipped to Pakistan on behalf of either the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission or the National Institute of Lasers & Optronics, all of which were listed on the US Department of Commerce Entity List. The Entity List identifies foreign parties that are prohibited from receiving some or all items subject to the EAR unless the exporter secures a license. They never obtained a license to export any item to the designated entities even though they knew that a license was required prior to export.

Pakistani businessmen plead guilty to money laundering in the US

money-laundering

Money Laundering, News on Money Laundering, stories on Money Laundering, articles on Money Laundering, Money Laundering stories at Wion, Money Laundering news, Money Laundering latest news