AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper Scam: ED Eyes 'Kingpin' Shravan Gupta As Court Slams His Evasion Tactics

News18

a day ago

Last Updated:
Gupta's alleged role as a financial conduit in the scam has been a central point in the case, which once rocked India's defence procurement establishment
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has upped the pressure on Shravan Gupta, one of the key accused in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam case, after the Delhi High Court refused to quash a non-bailable warrant against him.
Gupta, who was once at the helm of affairs at Emaar MGF Land Limited as managing director and executive vice chairman, has been accused of laundering over Rs 28.6 crore in kickbacks routed through a complex offshore network.
Gupta's alleged role as a financial conduit in the scam has been a central point in the case, which once rocked India's defence procurement establishment. The ED's case now hinges on Gupta's close association with co-accused Gautam Khaitan and Guido Haschke, who orchestrated the bribery trail in the AgustaWestland chopper deal.
According to the agency, Gupta helped channel illicit funds. 'Offshore entities beneficially owned and controlled by Shravan Gupta have received proceeds of crime to the tune of Euro 1,912,000 and USD 3,457,180 (Rs. 28,69,94,650-) in the Agusta Westland VVIP Chopper Scam," ED said in a statement.
The directorate added that Shravan Gupta had left the country in 2019 when asked to join the investigation by the directorate on the pretext of medical issues and has since been in London despite multiple summonses and warrants. 'Open ended non-bailable warrant was issued against Shravan Gupta by the special court in August, 2020. Red Corner Notice (RCN) has also been issued against Shravan Gupta in 2023," added ED.
Through his shell firms abroad, Gupta allegedly acted as a financial bridge between middlemen and beneficiaries.
Despite being summoned multiple times, Gupta chose to stay in London from 2019, citing medical grounds. On July 16, Gupta's counsel sought another adjournment, proposing a virtual appearance. But Justice Neena Bansal of the Delhi High Court expressed sharp disapproval, calling the repeated delays and evasion tactics 'unbecoming of a senior advocate" and reserved the matter for judgment.
The ED has already attached Gupta's properties worth Rs 21 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and investigations into the end use of the illicit money are still underway. Gupta was formally made an accused in a supplementary prosecution complaint filed in February 2022, and cognisance was taken by the PMLA court in March 2022.
Significantly, ED's pursuit of Gupta marks a renewed push in the long-drawn AgustaWestland case. With the financial trail now being meticulously mapped and the net tightening around fugitives abroad, the ED appears to be driving the case to its logical conclusion.
view comments
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.