New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into a money laundering case linked to industrialist Anil Ambani. The probe focuses on alleged loan irregularities involving total exposure exceeding ₹40,000 crore. Documents suggest that companies associated with Reliance ADA Group received around ₹13,558 crore in funding from three Chinese banks, which are now under investigative scrutiny.
According to investigation documents, the largest loan exposure came from China Development Bank, which extended approximately ₹9,134 crore to entities linked to the Reliance ADA Group. In addition, Export-Import Bank of China sanctioned around ₹3,048 crore, while Industrial and Commercial Bank of China provided about ₹1,374 crore in financial assistance.
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Officials said the loan agreements were based on personal guarantee clauses. Documents indicate that the promoter assumed personal liability under the financing contracts, allowing recovery authorities to attach personal assets in case of default. Bank records also show that several repayment notices were issued in 2017 regarding outstanding dues.
Sources also revealed that State Bank of India had extended credit facilities of approximately ₹2,929 crore to Reliance Communications and Reliance Infratel under personal guarantee agreements. Investigators believe this arrangement directly linked the promoter’s personal liability to corporate borrowing.
The ED’s probe primarily centers on allegations that financial irregularities may have occurred in loan transactions involving more than ₹40,000 crore. Authorities are also examining whether a portion of the borrowed funds was diverted to other group companies or layered through complex financial structures.
Reliance Communications once carried a consolidated debt burden exceeding ₹1.7 lakh crore before insolvency and asset monetisation efforts were initiated. However, several domestic and foreign bank accounts remain classified as non-performing assets (NPAs), prompting forensic audits and transaction reviews.
In recent enforcement action, the agency has provisionally attached assets worth nearly ₹15,000 crore. These include the Mumbai residence ‘Abode’ owned by Ambani and other corporate-linked property records. Search operations were also conducted at multiple locations associated with group entities and former executives.
The ED is also investigating whether financial transactions involved layering of funds as part of possible money laundering attempts. The probe is being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by the Enforcement Directorate.
Sources indicate that a summons has been issued to Anil Ambani for questioning. The agency is conducting a detailed examination of bank loan records, corporate fund transfers, and promoter guarantee agreements.
Officials stated that the investigation is still in its preliminary stage and further action will be determined based on technical evidence and financial records. The case has attracted significant attention in the business community as it is believed to be linked to a large-scale loan irregularity network.
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.
