Tina Ambani Skips Second ED Summons in High-Profile Money Laundering Investigation
Tina Ambani, the wife of Reliance group chairman Anil Ambani, failed to appear for her second scheduled meeting with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday. She did not show up at the agency's headquarters in New Delhi despite a formal summons issued as part of an ongoing money laundering probe.
Background of the Summons and Previous Appearances
Tina Ambani was initially summoned by the ED on February 9, marking the first call for her questioning in this case. Her husband, Anil Ambani, has also been summoned for interrogation on Wednesday. The investigation focuses on several entities within the Reliance group, including Reliance Communication and Reliance Power Ltd.
Anil Ambani is under scrutiny in a massive money laundering case estimated to involve Rs 40,000 crore. In August of last year, he was questioned once by the ED, during which he was required to provide details about his foreign assets and various financial transactions.
Intensified Investigation and International Cooperation
To accelerate its probe, the Enforcement Directorate has dispatched letters rogatory (LRs) to multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and several tax havens. These formal requests, sent through judicial channels to foreign jurisdictions, aim to gather additional evidence and trace the alleged "proceeds of the crime."
The funds in question are suspected to have originated from bank loans obtained by various group entities. The LRs are a critical step in validating and producing evidence to uncover the money trail in this complex case.
Extensive Searches and Asset Attachments
Over the past year, the ED has conducted a total of 46 searches as part of this investigation. These operations included raids at premises linked to Anil Ambani in Mumbai. As a result of these efforts, the agency has attached assets valued at over Rs 12,000 crore.
In a move to streamline the investigation, the Supreme Court has directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). This team has been established to expedite the probe and ensure a thorough examination of all aspects of the alleged money laundering activities.
The case continues to develop as the ED presses forward with its inquiries, highlighting the significant legal and financial challenges facing the Reliance group and its key figures.
