The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has taken action against Raj Kundra, attaching properties worth Rs 97.79 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. These properties include a residential flat in Juhu, a residential bungalow in Pune, and equity shares. This move comes as part of an investigation initiated by the ED based on multiple FIRs registered by Maharashtra Police and Delhi Police.
The investigation focuses on Variable Tech Pte Ltd, involving individuals like Amit Bhardwaj and others, who allegedly collected significant funds, primarily in Bitcoins, from the public. They promised a monthly return of 10 per cent in Bitcoins. However, it’s alleged that the collected Bitcoins were not utilized as promised, and the investors were misled.
The ED’s probe revealed that Raj Kundra received 285 Bitcoins from Amit Bhardwaj for setting up a Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine. These Bitcoins, sourced from the proceeds of crime, were valued at over Rs. 150 Crore. However, the deal did not materialize, and Kundra is alleged to still be in possession of these Bitcoins.
Several arrests have been made in connection with the case, including Simpy Bhardwaj, Nitin Gaur, and Nikhil Mahajan. However, main accused individuals, Ajay Bhardwaj and Mahendra Bhardwaj, remain absconding. Earlier, properties worth Rs 69 crore were attached by the ED in this case.
The ED has filed a Prosecution Complaint, and the Special PMLA Court has taken cognizance of the matter. Further investigation is ongoing.
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