Gurugram: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 82 crore in connection with an alleged large-scale real estate fraud linked to the “Ansal Hub-83” commercial project in Sector 83 here.
The action has been taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by the agency’s Gurugram zonal office. The investigation is directed against Ansal Housing Limited, its director Kushagra Ansal, and project partners Samyak Projects and Aakansha Infrastructure.
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FIR after investors’ complaint
The money laundering probe stems from a 2023 FIR registered by the Haryana Police following a complaint by the HUB-83 Allottee Welfare Association. The association, representing over a thousand investors, alleged that buyers were lured through “false assurances and misleading representations” regarding the 2.47-acre commercial development.
According to investigators, the project displayed a pattern of irregularities from the outset. Commercial units were allegedly sold even before obtaining mandatory statutory approvals. More significantly, the licence for the project had expired in December 2015, yet bookings and fund collection reportedly continued until September 2023.
Between 2011 and 2023, developers are alleged to have collected more than Rs 82 crore from allottees. The ED claims that instead of utilising the funds for construction and completion of the project, a substantial portion was diverted for personal gains and unrelated purposes.
No Occupation Certificate even after 15 years
Launched nearly 15 years ago, the Ansal Hub-83 project has yet to receive an Occupation Certificate. Possession of commercial units has not been handed over to buyers, leaving investors in limbo.
Investigators say that despite repeated assurances, the site remains incomplete. Many allottees have continued servicing loans or bearing financial losses without receiving either possession or refunds.
By attaching the land parcel and existing structures, the ED has sought to freeze the assets to prevent any sale, transfer or alienation before adjudication under the PMLA. Officials said the provisional attachment is aimed at safeguarding the value of assets for potential confiscation if the charges are established.
Focus on fund diversion
The agency is examining financial records, bank statements and transaction trails to establish how the collected funds were routed. Officials indicated that the investigation is looking into alleged layering and diversion of proceeds of crime.
The role of directors and partner entities is under scrutiny to determine the extent of their involvement in the alleged misappropriation. Statements of investors and company representatives have been recorded as part of the probe.
Regulatory signal for real estate sector
The case underscores increasing regulatory scrutiny of stalled real estate projects, particularly those involving large-scale investor complaints. Legal experts note that attachment under the PMLA significantly strengthens enforcement agencies’ ability to secure assets during investigation.
If the allegations are proven, the case could have far-reaching implications for developers operating projects without valid licences or approvals. For now, the attached properties remain under the ED’s control pending further proceedings before the adjudicating authority.
The agency has indicated that further action, including additional attachments, cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.
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.
