Jacqueline Fernandez Denies Involvement in Money Laundering, Seeks to Dismiss Charges
- Posted on November 27, 2024
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
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Jacqueline Fernandez's lawyers argue she can't be prosecuted for money laundering, as she was unaware the gifts she received from Sukesh Chandrashekhar were proceeds of crime. They emphasized that she didn't gain economically from the criminal activity and is a witness, not part of the crime syndicate.
Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez's legal team has argued that she should not be prosecuted for money laundering in connection with the alleged criminal activities of conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. Appearing before the Delhi High Court, Fernandez's senior advocate, Siddharth Agarwal, contended that she was not involved in any criminal activity nor did she gain any economic advantage from Sukesh's actions.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a charge sheet against Fernandez, alleging her involvement in the laundering of money obtained from a ₹200 crore extortion racket led by Sukesh. However, her counsel emphasized that she was unaware that the gifts she received from Sukesh were proceeds of crime. The case came to light when the FIR was filed by Aditi Singh, who had reportedly been extorted by Sukesh.
The legal team further stated that knowledge of a crime is crucial for prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and since Fernandez was not aware of the illicit origin of the gifts, she should not be held liable. The counsel also referred to a judgment involving Vijay Madanlal Chaudhary, arguing that not all properties attached during an investigation need to be part of the proceeds of crime.
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Fernandez's lawyers argued that she was merely a witness in the extortion case and not part of the crime syndicate. They also pointed out that two charges based on the same facts could not be pursued simultaneously. The next hearing in the case will be on December 3, 2024, when the Enforcement Directorate is expected to present its counterarguments.
