ED and CBI Await UK Report on Lawyer Vijay Aggarwal Following London Arrest
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Mumbai are closely tracking developments surrounding the arrest of criminal lawyer Vijay Aggarwal in the United Kingdom, awaiting an official report from British authorities before deciding whether to initiate proceedings in India.
Aggarwal was arrested in London on August 11 and charged with four counts of sexual assault. He appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 13, where he was remanded in custody. His next court hearing is scheduled before Southwark Crown Court on September 10.
Alongside the assault charges, Indian central agencies are assessing potential financial implications connected to a reported recovery of cash from Aggarwal's rented Mayfair residence during an immigration-related inquiry by British authorities. Aggarwal had entered the UK on a standard visitor visa and faced scrutiny over alleged unauthorised legal and business work.
The CBI is examining whether UK findings indicate financial fraud, criminal conspiracy, or cognisable offences that warrant registering a case in India. Simultaneously, the ED is assessing whether the situation involves cross-border money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Indian investigators have contacted their UK counterparts for preliminary details regarding the circumstances, ownership, and volume of the reported cash recovery. Sources noted that agencies are exploring possible links between the funds and absconding economic offenders, including individuals connected to illegal betting syndicates and broader financial networks.
Aggarwal has previously represented several high-profile clients facing financial probes in India, including Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, and Mahadev app case figure H.S. Tibrewal. His legal representation of these individuals does not by itself establish a connection to their alleged offences.
Aggarwal’s family and legal team have disputed claims linking his UK detention to financial wrongdoing or illegal funds, stating that no such findings exist on the judicial record. Neither the ED nor the CBI has initiated formal legal proceedings against Aggarwal in India as they await formal communication from British authorities.
