ED Files Prosecution Complaint Against Ansal Properties for Money Laundering Linked to Environmental Violations.

The Directorate of Enforcement, Gurugram Zonal Office, filed a Prosecution Complaint before the Special Court (PMLA) against M/s Ansal Properties and Infrastructure Ltd. and its promoters for generating proceeds of crime through deliberate non-compliance with environmental norms. The alleged money laundering arose from scheduled offences under the Water Act, 1974 and the Air Act, 1981, relating to untreated sewage discharge and inadequate sewage treatment facilities in major real-estate projects in Gurugram.

• ED initiated investigation based on Prosecution Complaints filed by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) for offences under Section 43 of the Water Act, 1974 and Section 37 of the Air Act, 1981.

• The violations pertained to two real-estate projects of APIL—Sushant Lok Phase-I and Esencia—located in Gurugram, Haryana.

• The complaints alleged persistent non-compliance with prescribed environmental norms relating to treatment and disposal of domestic effluents and sewage.

• In Sushant Lok Phase-I, APIL failed to install any Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), and untreated effluents were discharged through the HUDA sewerage line.

• In the Esencia project, although an STP was installed, it was found to be of inadequate capacity to handle the generated sewage.

• Inspections by the HSPCB revealed that the STPs were abandoned, with zero operation and maintenance being undertaken.

• By failing to treat domestic effluents in accordance with statutory norms, APIL caused hazards to public health and environmental safety.

• Simultaneously, the promoters continued to derive financial benefits by avoiding expenditure on environmental compliance, thereby generating Proceeds of Crime amounting to ₹10.55 crore.

• Earlier in the investigation, ED provisionally attached immovable properties in the form of commercial units and spaces.

• The attached assets are located in Gurugram, Greater Noida and Ludhiana.

• The properties are held by the directors/shareholders/beneficial owners of APIL and are valued at ₹10.55 crore, corresponding to the proceeds of crime.

• Section 3 & Section 4, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 – Offence and punishment for money laundering.

• Section 43, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 – Penalty for contravention of provisions.

• Section 37, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 – Penalty for failure to comply with environmental standards.