Will the ED Auction Seized Aircraft Linked to a Rs 792 Crore Scam in Hyderabad?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate is set to auction a seized Hawker 800A linked to a Rs 792 crore invoice discounting scam. This scandal, tied to Amardeep Kumar and Capital Protection Force Pvt Ltd, raises serious questions about investor protections and the lengths of financial fraud. Stay tuned as the auction date approaches!
Key Takeaways
- ED is auctioning a seized Hawker 800A aircraft.
- The aircraft is linked to a Rs 792 crore fraud.
- Amardeep Kumar is the primary suspect in the case.
- Auction will take place on December 9, 2025.
- Proceeds will aid victims of the scam.
New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) from its Hyderabad zonal office has revealed plans to auction a confiscated aircraft, a Hawker 800A (registration no. N935H), associated with a staggering Rs 792 crore invoice discounting fraud orchestrated by Amardeep Kumar and his firm, Capital Protection Force Pvt Ltd (part of the Falcon Group), as announced by the agency on Tuesday.
The aircraft is currently stationed at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad and is open for inspection until December 7, 2025.
The ED stated, “The auction via MSTC is set for December 9, 2025. (The link for auction participation is “MSTC/HYD/Directorate of Enforcement/3/Hyderabad/25-26/45608”).”
“Funds generated from the aircraft sale will ultimately serve to compensate the victims of this scam,” the ED indicated in a press release.
The aircraft was seized by the ED at Rajeev Gandhi International Airport during a raid on March 7, 2025, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection to a case involving Amardeep Kumar, Capital Protection Force Pvt Ltd, and others.
According to the ED, an investigation was initiated based on FIRs numbered 10/2025, 11/2025, and 12/2025, all dated February 11, 2025, filed by the Economic Offence Wing of Cyberabad against the Falcon Group (Capital Protection Force Pvt. Ltd), its CMD Amardeep Kumar, and others for deceiving investors in a fraudulent invoice discounting scheme.
The investigation uncovered that Amardeep Kumar initiated an invoice discounting scheme known as ‘Falcon Invoice Discounting’ and misappropriated Rs 792 crore from unsuspecting investors.
It was also discovered that Amardeep Kumar escaped the country using the same aircraft before the FIRs were filed and is currently on the run abroad.
During the inquiry, the ED has provisionally attached assets worth Rs 18.63 crore in relation to this case and has arrested three individuals: Sandeep Kumar, the brother of Amardeep Kumar; Sharad Chandra Toshniwal, a Chartered Accountant; and Aryan Singh Chhabra, COO of Capital Protection Force Pvt Ltd.
A prosecution complaint was filed by the ED in front of the Special PMLA Court in Rangareddy on September 29, 2025.
The investigation has revealed that the aircraft was acquired by Amardeep Kumar in 2024 for approximately USD 1.6 million.
“Post-seizure of the aircraft, the ED submitted an Original Application to the Adjudicating Authority, PMLA, which was validated via an order on August 18, 2025,” the agency mentioned.
The ED subsequently sought permission from the Adjudicating Authority under Rule 4(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering (Taking possession of attached or frozen properties confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority) Rules, 2013 to proceed with the sale of the confiscated aircraft.
This rule allows for the sale of a confirmed attached property if it is subject to rapid deterioration or if maintenance costs may surpass its value.
“On November 20, 2025, the Adjudicating Authority, PMLA granted approval for the ED, Hyderabad Zonal Office, to auction the seized aircraft,” it said.
Ongoing investigations into the case continue.
Point of View
I believe it is imperative to remain vigilant in cases of financial misconduct. The auction of this aircraft not only symbolizes justice for the victims but also highlights the importance of robust regulatory frameworks to prevent such scams in the future.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the scam linked to the seized aircraft?
The scam is valued at a staggering Rs 792 crore.
Who is the main accused in this scam?
The main accused is Amardeep Kumar, along with his company, Capital Protection Force Pvt Ltd.
When is the auction of the aircraft scheduled?
The auction is scheduled for December 9, 2025.
Where can the aircraft be inspected?
The aircraft can be inspected at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad until December 7, 2025.
What will happen to the proceeds from the auction?
The proceeds from the auction will be used for restitution to the victims of the scam.
