The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation tied to fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The central agency suspects that Bhandari used illicit funds obtained through defence contracts during the UPA regime to purchase properties abroad — particularly prime real estate in London, some of which allegedly list Robert Vadra as the beneficial owner.
Vadra, who has been under ED’s scanner since 2018, has denied all allegations, claiming political vendetta.
Bhandari’s extradition blocked by UK court
Sanjay Bhandari, long wanted in India on charges of tax evasion, black money, and money laundering, continues to reside in the United Kingdom after a major legal win. In February, the High Court of Justice in London allowed Bhandari’s appeal against extradition, ruling that India’s Tihar Jail poses a “real risk” of extortion and violence, both from inmates and prison officials.
The ED’s recent plea to declare Bhandari a “fugitive economic offender” was opposed by his lawyers, who argued that his stay in the UK is legal following the British court’s refusal to extradite him. This legal shield has effectively delayed India’s ability to question Bhandari directly — a key missing link in the probe involving Robert Vadra.
According to sources, ED investigators are tracing money trails from alleged kickbacks in defence deals to offshore entities used by Bhandari, some of which reportedly facilitated the purchase of a London mansion linked to Vadra.
Vadra, while maintaining his innocence, has previously expressed willingness to cooperate but insists the charges are “baseless and motivated.”