New Delhi — A Delhi court has declared UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari a Fugitive Economic Offender under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, following a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Bhandari, who fled India in 2016, has been facing investigations by multiple central agencies for alleged involvement in money laundering and black money violations.
The ED had filed a criminal case against Bhandari and others in February 2017, shortly after income tax authorities charged him under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015. Based on this, the ED filed a charge sheet in 2020, accusing Bhandari of laundering illicit funds and acquiring overseas assets through unlawful means.
This declaration empowers Indian authorities to confiscate Bhandari’s properties in India and abroad and strengthens India’s diplomatic and legal standing in pursuing his extradition from the United Kingdom, where Bhandari currently resides.
UK Court Earlier Denied Extradition Over Jail Safety Concerns
The declaration comes just months after a UK High Court rejected India’s extradition request, citing concerns over the safety and human rights conditions in Tihar Jail, where Bhandari would be lodged if extradited. The court noted the “real risk of extortion, torture, or violence” Bhandari might face in Indian custody, particularly from other inmates or prison staff.
Despite the setback, the Delhi court’s recent decision to declare Bhandari a fugitive is expected to bolster India’s legal arguments in any future appeals or international negotiations. Under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, Indian authorities can now initiate legal steps to attach and confiscate properties connected to economic offences exceeding ₹100 crore, even when the accused remains outside the country.
Legal experts say the ruling will serve as a strong precedent in India’s ongoing attempts to bring back high-profile financial offenders hiding abroad.
Political Link Surfaces: Robert Vadra Back in Spotlight
The Bhandari case has also brought Congress-linked businessman Robert Vadra back under the scanner. The ED has alleged that Bhandari purchased and renovated a London property in 2009, using funds provided by Vadra. This month, fresh summons were issued to Vadra in connection with the agency’s 2023 charge sheet in the Bhandari-linked investigation.
While Vadra has denied any wrongdoing and termed the probes as “politically motivated,” the ED maintains that financial trails and documentation link him directly to the questionable overseas transaction facilitated by Bhandari.
The unfolding case adds another layer to India’s widening crackdown on fugitive economic offenders, many of whom have been operating out of foreign jurisdictions for years.
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A Growing List of High-Profile Fugitives
Bhandari now joins the ranks of India’s most-wanted financial fugitives, including:
- Vijay Mallya (UK) – wanted for bank fraud and money laundering.
- Nirav Modi (UK) – accused in the ₹13,000 crore PNB scam.
- Mehul Choksi (Belgium) – co-accused in the same PNB fraud.
- Zakir Naik (Malaysia) – charged with money laundering and hate speech.
- Chetan and Nitin Sandesara (Nigeria) – linked to ₹5,000+ crore bank fraud.
- Iqbal Mirchi’s family (UK) – accused in property-linked financial crimes.
- Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (US) – wanted for sedition and terrorism links.
- Goldy Brar (Canada) – charged in multiple gang-related crimes.
The Indian government has been stepping up efforts to extradite these individuals through international cooperation, diplomatic channels, and bilateral legal treaties.