New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate has issued a fresh summons to Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani, directing him to appear for questioning on February 26 after he failed to depose before the agency earlier this week in a money laundering investigation linked to alleged loan diversion and financial irregularities.
Sources said his wife, former actor Tina Ambani, has also sought adjournment twice and did not appear on the earlier dates scheduled for February 10 and February 17. It was not immediately clear whether she has been given a new date to record her statement. The agency plans to question the couple separately under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
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Probe linked to RCOM insolvency and overseas property deal
Investigators are examining a money trail connected to the purchase and subsequent sale of a luxury condominium in New York’s Manhattan. The property was allegedly sold in 2023 during the corporate insolvency resolution process of Reliance Communications without the knowledge or consent of the resolution professional.
According to the agency, the sale proceeds of USD 8.3 million (about ₹69.55 crore) were remitted from the United States through what it described as a sham investment arrangement involving a Dubai-based entity allegedly controlled by a Pakistan-linked individual. The transaction is suspected to be part of a broader layering mechanism to divert funds.
The ED has already arrested Punit Garg, a former senior executive of Reliance Communications, in connection with the case. The company later informed stock exchanges about the allegedly fraudulent sale in 2025, prompting deeper scrutiny of related financial flows.
SIT formed on Supreme Court directions
The money laundering probe is part of a wider investigation into multiple alleged bank fraud and financial irregularity cases linked to the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG). Acting on directions from the Supreme Court, the ED recently constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to examine these matters.
So far, the agency has attached assets worth ₹12,000 crore and registered three Enforcement Case Information Reports against group companies. Officials said the focus is on tracing fund diversion, related-party transactions and cross-border remittances that may indicate proceeds of crime.
Earlier appearance and next course
Anil Ambani had previously appeared before the ED in August 2025 to record his statement in a related case. The fresh summons indicates that investigators require further clarification on financial decisions, corporate approvals and overseas transactions during the period under scrutiny.
Legal experts note that non-appearance without valid grounds can invite coercive action under the PMLA, including the possibility of a warrant, though such steps depend on the agency’s assessment of cooperation.
What the investigation means for ADAG entities
The ongoing probe comes at a time when several ADAG companies have been undergoing insolvency proceedings and debt resolution. Market participants are closely tracking the developments, as any adverse findings or enforcement action could have implications for creditor recoveries and ongoing restructuring efforts.
Officials said the investigation is focused on establishing the end-use of loan funds, identifying beneficiaries and mapping the full money trail across jurisdictions. Requests for information have also been sent through international channels to obtain banking and transaction records linked to the overseas property deal.
With fresh summons issued and asset attachments already in place, the case has entered a critical phase. The ED is expected to proceed with statement recording, forensic analysis of financial records and coordination with other agencies as it seeks to determine whether the transactions amount to money laundering under the PMLA.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
