Gurugram/Noida. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Gurugram Regional Office, has taken stringent action against M/s Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Limited (APIL) and its directors and promoters, Shail Ansal, Pranav Ansal, and Gopal Ansal, by filing a prosecution complaint on 16 December 2025 before the Hon’ble Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The case stems from criminal complaints lodged by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and relates to proceeds of crime arising from environmental law violations.
The ED’s action highlights the direct nexus between environmental violations and money laundering, demonstrating how real estate firms allegedly bypass statutory environmental norms to secure substantial economic gains.
Serious Breaches in Gurugram Real Estate Projects
Investigations revealed that APIL’s two key residential projects – ‘Sushant Lok Phase-1’ and ‘Essencia’ – were operating in violation of mandated environmental standards. The ‘Sushant Lok Phase-1’ project reportedly did not have an operational Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), and untreated wastewater was discharged directly into the municipal sewer line. At ‘Essencia’, the installed STP was found to be under-capacitated and non-functional, with inspections revealing negligible maintenance and zero operational efficiency.
According to ED sources, the failure to treat sewage properly posed a serious threat to public health and local ecosystems. Despite this, the company continued operations, generating profits by circumventing environmental regulations.
₹10.55 Crore of ‘Proceeds of Crime’ Identified
The investigation further revealed that APIL and its promoters accrued approximately ₹10.55 crore as proceeds of crime by neglecting wastewater treatment and violating environmental compliance. The ED has provisionally attached immovable assets corresponding to this amount, including commercial units and properties located in Gurugram, Noida, and Budhiana. The cumulative value of these attached properties stands at ₹10.55 crore.
Legal Action Against Directors and Promoters
Directors and promoters, including Shail Ansal, Pranav Ansal, and Gopal Ansal, are now facing PMLA proceedings. ED officials emphasized that the action sends a clear message that profits derived from environmental violations will not be tolerated, and legal consequences will follow.
Environmental Offences and Money Laundering: A Dangerous Convergence
Experts analyzing the case say it underscores how environmental crimes are increasingly intertwined with financial crimes and money laundering. Real estate developers allegedly skirt compliance to save costs and boost profits, subsequently legitimizing the illicitly earned funds through complex financial channels.
The ED has also indicated that further seizures of assets and arrests are likely in the next phase of the investigation. The agency is reportedly tracing other entities and individuals linked to the promoter-director network to determine the full extent of financial irregularities.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Enforcement
ED officials noted that investigations are being conducted in close coordination with regulatory authorities, environmental watchdogs, and financial institutions. The case highlights that violations of environmental norms are no longer merely local compliance issues, but potential threats to national security and the integrity of the financial system.
The probe remains active, and over the coming weeks, further asset attachments, arrests, and legal measures are anticipated. This case also serves as a cautionary tale to the real estate sector, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to environmental and financial regulations.
