ED Attaches Over ₹3,000 Crore in Assets Linked to Anil Ambani: Full Story, Background, and Implications

In a massive move that has sent shockwaves through India’s corporate and financial sectors, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached over ₹3,000 crore worth of assets belonging to Anil Ambani and companies linked to his Reliance ADA Group (Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group).

According to official sources, the attachment includes more than 40 properties spread across Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and other major cities, including Anil Ambani’s Pali Hill residence in Mumbai — one of the group’s most high-profile assets.

This action comes as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering and diversion of bank funds, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

What the ED Has Attached

Reports from The Hindu, Economic Times, and NDTV confirm that the attached assets include a mix of commercial and residential properties, as well as investments, shares, and bank deposits held by various Reliance ADA Group companies.

The total provisional attachment value is estimated at ₹3,084 crore, with properties located in:

• Mumbai: The luxurious Pali Hill family residence and several office buildings in Santacruz and BKC.

• Delhi-NCR: Corporate offices and residential plots belonging to Reliance Infrastructure and Reliance Power.

• Chennai & Hyderabad: Properties linked to group subsidiaries under investigation.

• Offshore holdings: ED is also probing international transactions that may be linked to alleged fund diversion schemes.

The Case Behind the Attachment

According to ED officials quoted by Business Standard and India Today, the agency’s action stems from findings that Anil Ambani-led entities diverted bank loans through shell companies and round-tripping transactions—a method of circulating funds through multiple entities to disguise their origin.

The ED claims these companies laundered funds obtained through bank loans and routed them into personal and foreign accounts.

The probe is said to be linked to several FIRs and CBI investigations related to non-payment and default on massive loans from public sector banks, including those tied to Reliance Power, Reliance Infrastructure, and Reliance Communications.

Cobrapost Exposé and Wider Context

This attachment also follows explosive reports by Cobrapost, which recently alleged a ₹41,900 crore fraud involving the Reliance ADA Group.

The investigative outlet claimed that dozens of shell companies—both domestic and offshore—were used to divert thousands of crores of rupees borrowed from Indian banks.

In response, the Reliance ADA Group issued a strong rebuttal, calling the allegations “false, motivated, and malicious”. The company accused Cobrapost and its “corporate rivals” of launching a “campaign of disinformation to tarnish its reputation.”

What the ED Said

An ED official, quoted by NDTV, said:

“The attached properties are part of proceeds of crime generated through complex transactions of loan diversion, round-tripping, and layering of funds by Reliance ADA Group companies under the direct control of Mr. Anil Ambani.”

The agency added that more assets may be identified as the investigation progresses, and supplementary attachment orders could follow.

Reliance ADA Group’s Response

The Reliance ADA Group released a detailed statement denying wrongdoing.
It said:

“Our group and its companies have always conducted business within the legal framework. The latest ED action is based on unfounded allegations and misinterpretations. We will cooperate fully with authorities to clarify and resolve all issues.”

The group further accused investigative outlets and certain “vested interests” of attempting to manipulate stock prices and investor sentiment.

Market Reaction

Following the ED’s announcement, shares of Reliance Power and Reliance Infrastructure fell sharply on the NSE, dropping between 8–10% in intraday trade, according to Lokmat Times and Business Today.

Market experts noted that while these companies have struggled with debt and cash flow issues for years, the fresh ED move could further impact investor confidence.

Timeline of Events

DateEventOct 30, 2024Cobrapost publishes report alleging ₹41,900 crore fraud by Reliance ADA Group.Nov 1, 2024Reliance Group issues rebuttal, calling report “malicious.”Nov 3, 2025ED attaches ₹3,084 crore worth of assets under PMLA.Nov 4, 2025 (expected)ED to summon key Reliance officials for questioning.

Legal and Political Implications

The ED’s move against a prominent business tycoon like Anil Ambani marks one of the most significant actions in recent years under India’s anti-money laundering laws.

Legal experts suggest that this may set a precedent for greater scrutiny of corporate loan defaults and fund diversions, especially among large conglomerates that expanded aggressively in the 2000s but later defaulted on debts.

Politically, the development could have ripple effects, as Anil Ambani has long been associated with major infrastructure and telecom projects linked to public sector funding.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Corporate Accountability

The attachment of over ₹3,000 crore worth of assets belonging to Anil Ambani signals a new phase in India’s crackdown on financial irregularities.

While investigations continue and the Reliance ADA Group maintains its innocence, the case underscores the increasing resolve of financial regulators to pursue high-profile cases involving alleged bank fraud and fund diversion.

As the ED expands its probe, all eyes will be on whether this leads to criminal prosecution, further asset seizures, or a negotiated settlement in the coming months.