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A Delhi court has allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to proceed with the confiscation of certain properties linked to fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari in a money laundering case, according to developments reported earlier this week. The order follows Bhandari’s designation as a fugitive economic offender, enabling authorities to initiate asset seizure under applicable law. The ED had sought confiscation of assets associated with him, including overseas properties, as part of its ongoing investigation. The case has been under judicial consideration for several months, with earlier hearings involving arguments on the legality of confiscation proceedings. The court’s decision marks a procedural step in enforcement action aimed at recovering assets linked to alleged financial irregularities.
A Delhi court has permitted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to confiscate certain properties linked to fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation, marking a key development in proceedings under the Fugitive Economic Offenders framework. Advertisement
The order was passed earlier this week after the ED moved an application seeking confiscation of assets following Bhandari’s classification as a fugitive economic offender. This designation enables authorities to initiate proceedings for attachment and eventual confiscation of properties believed to be linked to proceeds of crime.
The case has been under judicial scrutiny over the past several months. Earlier this year, the Rouse Avenue Court had reserved its decision on the ED’s plea after hearing submissions from both sides, with the agency maintaining that properties directly associated with Bhandari were liable for confiscation.
The ED had informed the court that its application was filed after Bhandari was formally declared a fugitive economic offender, a status that provides legal backing for asset seizure proceedings. The agency had also submitted that no objections had been raised in relation to certain identified properties, strengthening its case for confiscation.
Bhandari, who is currently based in the United Kingdom, has been under investigation in India in connection with alleged financial irregularities and undisclosed foreign assets. Authorities had previously indicated that some of the assets under scrutiny include properties located overseas, which are part of broader enforcement proceedings.
The legal framework governing such action allows agencies to attach and confiscate assets of individuals who evade Indian jurisdiction while facing economic offence charges.
Once declared a fugitive economic offender, the individual’s properties—both domestic and international—can be subject to confiscation, subject to court approval.
The court’s approval enables the ED to move forward with the next stages of enforcement, including formal seizure and disposal of identified assets in accordance with legal provisions. However, aspects of the proceedings, including earlier declarations and related legal challenges, remain subject to review before higher courts.
The development reflects the continued use of statutory mechanisms to address cases involving economic offences where accused individuals are outside the country’s jurisdiction. It also underlines the role of judicial oversight in authorising confiscation of assets tied to such cases.
The matter is expected to progress further as enforcement actions are implemented and any pending legal challenges are adjudicated in subsequent hearings.
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