Jacqueline Fernandez knowingly used conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar's proceeds of crime: ED to HC

Actor Jacqueline Fernandez, accused in a ₹200-crore money laundering case, knowingly used the proceeds of crime linked to alleged conman Sukesh Chandrasekhar, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed Delhi High Court.

This statement was presented in response to Fernandez's plea for quashing the FIR in the Delhi HC.

The Enforcement Directorate asserted that Jacqueline Fernandez consistently concealed the truth about financial transactions with Sukesh Chandrasekhar, only revealing facts when confronted with evidence.

‘She continues to hold back the truth even till date. It is also a fact that Fernandez wiped out the entire data from her mobile phone after the arrest of Chandrasekhar, thereby tampering with the evidence. She also asked her colleagues to destroy the evidence. Evidence proves beyond doubt that she had been enjoying, using and is in possession of proceeds of crime. Thus, it is proved that Fernandez was knowingly involved in the possession and use of proceeds of crime of accused Chandrasekhar,’ it said.

Initially, in her statements, the actor attempted to portray herself as a victim of Chandrasekhar, but the agency stated that during the investigation, she failed to provide substantial evidence to support her claim of victimization by him.

The ED stated that Jacqueline Fernandez, despite being aware of Chandrasekhar's criminal background, continued to receive, enjoy, and possess proceeds of crime for herself and her family. Initially, Fernandez did not acknowledge receiving substantial sums of money and valuable gifts from him for her family in India and abroad, with the ED asserting that these luxurious items were generated as proceeds of crime from criminal activities.

Ms Fernandez said in her plea, ‘At the outset it is submitted that evidence filed by the ED would prove that the petitioner (Fernandez) is an innocent victim of Chandrasekhar's maliciously targeted attack. There is absolutely no indication that she had any involvement whatsoever in aiding him to launder his purportedly ill-gotten wealth. Hence, she cannot be prosecuted for the offences under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.’

It said the prosecution complaint filed against her confirmed that nowhere it has been alleged that she knew about the nefarious activities of Chandrasekhar in extorting money from complainant Aditi Singh.

The matter was listed before Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri and the counsel representing Ms Fernandez sought time to file a rejoinder in response to the ED's affidavit.

The high court listed the matter for further hearing on April 15.

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