New Delhi, July 31: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken significant action in a money laundering case linked to Amira Pure Foods Limited. On May 25, the Gurugram zonal office issued a provisional attachment order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This order temporarily seized funds amounting to USD 10,034,819.01 (approximately ₹94.76 crore) held in foreign bank accounts at the Bank of Singapore.
In a press release on Thursday, the ED disclosed that the seized bank balances were associated with the main accused, Karan Chanana, as well as Amira Foods Private Limited and Anantya Private Limited. The attachment has been communicated to relevant parties through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) mechanisms with the United Kingdom and Singapore, among other available methods.
The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi under various sections of the IPC, 1860. The FIR alleges that the accused company, Amira Pure Foods Private Limited, engaged in fraudulent activities by misusing funds through its directors, promoters, employees, and others.
Additionally, the company is accused of causing a loss of approximately ₹1,201.85 crore to a consortium of banks led by Canara Bank through criminal breach of trust and fraud. The ED noted that the Amira Foods Group specializes in the production and sale of branded packaged food, particularly Indian Basmati rice.
The investigation revealed that the Amira Foods Group had taken substantial bank loans and cash credit from the consortium, which later turned into non-performing assets (NPAs) in 2017. The inquiry also established that Amira Pure Foods Private Limited and its promoters, shareholders, and directors committed money laundering offenses. Consequently, a prosecution complaint has been filed against 21 individuals, companies, and entities involved in this case.
Earlier in the investigation, the ED identified properties derived from the proceeds of crime and issued a provisional attachment order on March 13, 2024. Furthermore, investigations under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA) revealed that Karan Chanana and Anita Ding had left India and were residing in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, deliberately avoiding legal proceedings. Non-bailable warrants (NBWs) have been issued against both accused.
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