SHILPA SHETTY and husband‘s property worth Dh44m seized
Couple’s attached assets have been linked to a cryptocurrency probe
The Enforcement Directorate yesterday attached properties valued more than Rs1 billion (nearly Dh44 million), belonging to businessman and producer Raj Kundra and his actress-wife Shilpa Shetty in an alleged money laundering and bitcoin scam case.
According to reports, properties including their sea-facing flat in Juhu and their apartment in Pune have been attached. Equity shares belonging to Raj Kundra have also been seized.
WHAT THE CASE IS ABOUT
In a report published on IndiaTV, an investigation against Kundra was launched based on multiple FIRs filed by the Maharashtra Police and Delhi Police against various individuals and entities involved in a Bitcoin Ponzi scam.
The scam allegedly collected significant funds from the public under false promises of high returns, concealing illgotten gains in obscure online wallets.
KUNDRA’S LEGAL TEAM REACTS
Raj Kundra’s team has shared a statement from Prashant Patil, the counsel representing Shilpa Shetty and Kundra.
Patil reiterated their commitment to the due process of law.
He said, “We shall follow the due process of law and take necessary steps as prescribed under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to protect the liberty and property of my clients.”
Patil also stated, “On the face of it, there is no prima facie case made out against my clients Mr Raj Kundra and Mrs Shilpa Shetty Kundra.”
Expressing confidence in the judicial system, Patil said, “We have complete faith in the Honourable Judiciary. I believe when we make our fair representation before the Honourable Enforcement Directorate, even the investigation agencies may grant justice to us.”
BITCOINS WITH KUNDRA
According to the ED,
Raj Kundra received 285
Bitcoins from the mastermind of the scam, Amit Bhardwaj, for setting up a Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine. These Bitcoins were sourced from proceeds of crime collected from investors. Despite the deal not materialising, Kundra is allegedly still in possession of these Bitcoins, valued at over Rs1.5 billion (around
Dh66 million).
Earlier arrests have been made in connection with the scam, with individuals presently in judicial custody, while the main accused are absconding.
The ED previously attached properties worth Rs690 million (around Dh30 million) in this case.