ED moves on 2 London assets, one of them 'linked' to Vadra

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated the process to confiscate two properties in London in connection with its money laundering probe against fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, people familiar with the development said on Friday.

- Neeraj Chauhan

One of the properties at 12, Bryanston Square, London, acquired by Bhandari in 2009, is linked to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law, Robert Vadra, as it was "renovated" on his directions and using his funds, according to ED's charge sheet in the case filed in November. The agency has also claimed that Vadra has stayed in this property "three-four times".

The second property under the scanner is located at 6, Grosvenor Hill Court, 13 Bourdon Street, London. Both are being treated as "proceeds of crime" of Bhandari and NRI businessman CCThampi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In its plea before a Delhi court, seen by HT, ED has stated that it seeks to "confiscate the proceeds of crime being properties no 12, BSQ London and 6 Grosvenor Hill Court, Bourdon Street, London".