Court orders charges against Jacqueline Fernandez in Rs 200 crore money laundering case

A significant development has occurred in the high-profile Rs 200 crore money laundering and extortion case involving alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar, with a Delhi court ordering that charges be framed against Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez and 15 others. The order was issued by Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma on Saturday, May 30, 2026, who stated that there is sufficient prima facie material on record to raise a strong suspicion against all the accused. The formal signing of these charges is slated for June 3, 2026, with all accused directed to appear in person before the court. The case, being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), stems from allegations that Sukesh Chandrashekhar, while incarcerated, extorted approximately Rs 200 crore from Aditi Singh, the wife of former Ranbaxy promoter Shivinder Singh. Investigators allege that Chandrashekhar posed as a senior government official and used a network of associates to perpetrate the fraud. The ED's chargesheet claims that the extorted money was laundered through a complex web of shell companies and transactions, with a portion allegedly used to purchase luxury gifts and assets for individuals, including Jacqueline Fernandez. The agency has accused Fernandez of receiving expensive gifts from Chandrashekhar, purchased with the proceeds of crime. However, Fernandez has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining her lack of awareness regarding the alleged illegal origins of the money. She had previously sought to become an approver in the case but later withdrew her application. The court has ordered charges to be framed against Chandrashekhar under various penal provisions, including the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), for offenses such as impersonating a public servant, extortion, cheating, criminal intimidation, and criminal conspiracy. His wife, Leena Maria Paul, and 17 others also face charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, the IT Act, and MCOCA. While Chandrashekhar remains in judicial custody, his wife has been granted bail in the money laundering case, though her bail plea in the MCOCA case was rejected. The case originated from an FIR registered by the Delhi Police based on a complaint by Aditi Singh. The ED subsequently lodged a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Delhi High Court had previously dismissed Jacqueline Fernandez's plea to quash the supplementary charge sheet filed against her by the ED. She appeared before the trial court and was granted bail. The legal proceedings underscore the serious nature of the allegations, which include impersonation of high-ranking government officials, elaborate fraud schemes, and the subsequent laundering of illicit funds through various financial channels and associates. The ED's investigation has involved collecting digital evidence, recording statements, and tracing financial transactions to build its case against the accused. The framing of charges signifies a crucial step towards the trial, where the evidence presented by the prosecution will be scrutinized, and the accused will have the opportunity to defend themselves. The ongoing investigation and the court's order highlight the significant financial crimes and the intricate methods employed in money laundering operations, involving both alleged kingpins and individuals who may have benefited from the proceeds.

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