Businessman Declared Fugitive Economic Offender
Sanjay Bhandari, an arms-industry businessman, was officially declared a Fugitive Economic Offender under the 2018 Act. He fled to the UK in 2016 via Nepal and now faces forfeiture of multiple assets.
Legal and Tax Violations
- ED and Income Tax allege he hid ₹655 crore in undeclared foreign income and evaded ₹196 crore in taxes.
- CBI has also lodged charges against him in a ₹2,985 crore Pilatus aircraft procurement scam.
- He is accused of laundering money into properties in the UAE and UK, and channeling funds via shell firms during 2009–16.
Extradition and Asset Seizure
- He was arrested in the UK in July 2020 but released on bail. His extradition was paused after a London High Court cited human rights concerns in Tihar Jail.
- UK home secretary granted extradition in June 2020—his team continues legal opposition.
- Fugitive status allows ED to confiscate assets such as real estate and bank holdings in India.
Current Status and Implications
- A UK court has stopped India from labeling him fugitive, arguing his UK stay is lawful and India’s case may not meet required thresholds.
- ED seeks India’s Delhi court’s approval to move ahead with asset confiscation.
- The case highlights friction between India’s legal push and human rights protections in international jurisdictions.
The Sanjay Bhandari saga illustrates growing efforts by Indian authorities to track fugitive economic offenders—but also shows how procedural and rights-related hurdles can complicate enforcement abroad.