Anil Ambani Defies ED Summon, Offers Virtual Appearance in FEMA Case

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Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani has offered to testify before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a FEMA case via video conferencing, despite being summoned to appear in person. The move comes as the ED investigates alleged financial irregularities in the Jaipur-Reengus Highway Project, valued at over ₹40 crore. According to ED sources, Ambani's offer was rejected, and a fresh date for his deposition will be issued. The agency had initially asked him to appear on Friday, citing the need to record his statement under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The ED's investigation, which began 15 years ago, centers on alleged hawala transactions and money laundering linked to the highway project. The agency has already recorded statements from several individuals, including alleged hawala dealers. Ambani's company, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd., awarded a contract for the highway project in 2010. However, the ED claims that funds were siphoned off through shell companies in Surat and Dubai, with a total of over ₹600 crore involved in the international hawala network. In a statement, Ambani's spokesperson stressed that the businessman has always cooperated with the ED and has offered to provide full assistance in the probe. They also clarified that Ambani is not a member of the Reliance Infrastructure board and was not involved in the day-to-day management of the company. This is not the first time Ambani has faced ED scrutiny, having been questioned in a separate money laundering case linked to a ₹17,000 crore bank fraud against his group companies.