Are ED Raids Targeting Entities Linked to Anil Ambani in the Rs 3,000 Crore Yes Bank Loan Fraud?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched raids targeting Anil Ambani's Reliance Group.
- Investigations are centered around the Rs 3,000 crore Yes Bank loan fraud.
- Multiple regulatory bodies are collaborating on the case.
- Significant financial irregularities have been identified.
- The investigation is ongoing, revealing complex connections.
New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a series of raids on Thursday at over 35 locations, involving 50 companies and more than 25 individuals associated with Anil Ambani's Reliance Group (RAAGA Companies). This action is part of an investigation into a money laundering case linked to the Rs 3,000 crore Yes Bank loan fraud.
Following FIRs filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the ED commenced its inquiry into the alleged money laundering activities involving RAAGA Companies under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Various institutions, including the National Housing Bank, SEBI, National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), and Bank of Baroda, have provided information to the ED, as per credible sources.
The initial investigation indicates a meticulously orchestrated scheme aimed at diverting public funds by deceiving banks, shareholders, investors, and other public entities. Allegations of bribery involving bank officials, including the Promoter of Yes Bank Limited, are also under scrutiny.
Preliminary findings have disclosed an illegal diversion of loans amounting to around Rs 3,000 crore from Yes Bank between 2017 and 2019. The ED discovered that prior to the loan disbursement, funds were transferred to Yes Bank promoters' entities. The agency is delving into the bribery nexus associated with these loans.
The regulator identified significant breaches in the loan approval process for RAAGA companies, including the back-dating of Credit Approval Memorandums (CAMs) and proposals for investments without appropriate due diligence or credit assessments, violating the Bank's Credit Policy.
Loans were improperly redirected to various group and shell companies, breaching the loan conditions.
Sources close to the inquiry have indicated several red flags identified by the ED, such as loans issued to financially unstable entities, lack of proper documentation, no due diligence, shared addresses among borrowers, common directors, loan diversions to promoter group entities, and misrepresentation of financial data.
SEBI has reportedly shared its findings with the ED regarding RHFL, noting a significant rise in corporate loans from Rs 3,742.60 crore in FY 2017-18 to Rs 8,670.80 crore in FY 2018-19, which is also under the ED's examination.
The investigation continues as the ED uncovers connections between Yes Bank officials, group companies, and financial misconduct related to Anil Ambani's business empire.