Tina Ambani, the wife of Reliance Group Chairman Anil Ambani, did not appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 9. She was called for questioning at the ED headquarters in New Delhi regarding an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering. Officials stated on February 10 that since she missed the deposition, a fresh summons will be issued to her shortly to join the probe.
Why is the ED investigating this case?
The central agency is currently looking into the purchase of a luxury apartment in Manhattan, New York. This property was reportedly bought for about ₹70 crore ($8.3 million). Investigators allege that the money used to buy this flat came from loans taken by Reliance Communications (RCOM). The agency suspects that funds were diverted through a network of shell companies and a Dubai-based entity to hide the actual source of the money.
What is the background of the probe?
This inquiry is part of a larger ₹40,000 crore case involving alleged bank fraud and money laundering linked to the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG). The investigation gained speed after the Supreme Court directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) earlier this month. Last week, the ED arrested Punit Garg, a former senior executive at RCOM, and his questioning reportedly provided leads that resulted in the summons for Tina Ambani.
Key actions taken by the agency so far
The Enforcement Directorate has taken strict steps to secure assets related to this financial investigation. Several properties have already been brought under provisional attachment orders as the probe continues.
- Over 40 properties belonging to the group have been provisionally attached by the ED.
- The total value of these properties is estimated between ₹3,000 crore and ₹12,000 crore.
- The list of attached assets includes the family’s residence at Pali Hill in Mumbai.
- Anil Ambani has assured the Supreme Court that he will not leave India without prior permission.
