ED attaches assets worth Rs 385 cr from AugustaWestland scam accused Rajiv Saxena

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday said it has attached assets totalling Rs 385 crore belonging to AugustaWestland chopper scam accused Rajiv Saxena under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The assets include a villa in Palm Jumeirah (Dubai) worth 20 million Dirhams and money in five Swiss bank accounts totalling US dollars 45.5 million which all adds up to Rs 385 crore.

Rajiv Saxena, an accused-turned-approver in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was deported to India from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January last year and arrested under the money laundering act.

Investigations under the PMLA were initiated by the ED on the basis of separate FIRs registered by the CBI.

The probe, says the ED, revealed that accused Rajiv Saxena is a “Hawala operator” and “accommodation entry provider”, who runs accommodation entry business in Dubai through numerous companies. He is alleged to have laundered proceeds of crime in the Agusta chopper scam.

“Rajiv Saxena has admitted to laundering the proceeds of crime not only of AgustaWestland deal but also various other defence deals. The proceeds of crime have also been transferred to the personal accounts of Rajiv Saxena and his wife Shivani Saxena (also an accused in Agusta Westland case)”, said the ED.

In the case of Agusta Westland Helicopter Scam, Letter of Request to Swiss Confederation was sent to restrain his Swiss bank accounts and ensure that he did not shift/transfer/dispose-of the suspected proceeds of crime, the ED added.

“Based on the documentary evidence and statements of various persons recorded under section 50 of PMLA, it has been established that Rajiv Saxena has knowingly assisted and is a party and is actually involved in the activity connected with proceeds of crime including its concealment, possession, acquisition, use and projecting it as untainted and therefore, he has committed the offence of money laundering as defined under section 3 of the Act,” said the ED.