ED Names Jacqueline Fernandez As Accused In Chandrasekhar’s Money Laundering Case

Jacqueline Fernandez is implicated in a chargesheet that will be filed by the Enforcement Directorate in the Sukesh Chandrasekhar 200-crore money laundering case on Wednesday.

Chandrashekar was previously detained by the Delhi Police for allegedly extorting over 215 crores from Aditi Singh and Shivender Singh, associates of the former promoters of the pharmaceutical behemoth Ranbaxy. After learning about the Delhi Police case, the ED launched its investigation into money laundering.

ED Names Jacqueline Fernandez As Accused

Jacqueline had previously faced numerous ED interrogations. The actress had disclosed to authorities that she had been in contact with Sukesh Chandrasekhar since 2017 and that the con artist had informed her that he was a member of the late Jayalalithaa's family. 

"I have been speaking to Sukesh since February 2017. In August 2021, he was arrested, after which I never met him. He told me that he is the owner of Sun TV and from the political family of Jayalalithaa," Jacqueline told the ED, as reported by Press Trust of India. 

The Sri Lankan actor further revealed that Chandrasekhar gave her sister a $150,000 loan and agreed to send roughly Rs 15 lakh to her brother's account in Australia. The ED had previously seized Jacqueline's assets worth Rs 7 crore. Diamond earrings, bracelets, Birkin bags, Louis Vuitton shoes, a mini cooper car, and other opulent presents were given to her.

Amid this controversy, several intimate pictures of Jacqueline and Sukesh were leaked online, creating a strong buzz about their relationship. In a handwritten note, Chandrasekhar confirmed that he and Jacqueline were in a relationship, saying, “As I have mentioned before, Jacqueline and I were in a relationship. Seeing each other and the relationship was not based on any kind of monetary benefits like the way it is protected, commented and trolled in a bad light. The relationship had lots of love and respect for each other, without any expectations. I have gifted her things and done things for her family, which are normal things one would do for his loved one in a relationship. It is personal, I don’t understand why it is being made such a big deal. At the same time, I would like to again be certain that none of it was the 'proceeds of so-called crime'. It is all from legitimate earnings and the same would be proved in the court of law very soon.” 

According to reports, the costly gifts included designer bags from Gucci and Chanel, as well as gym outfits from Gucci, shoes from Louis Vuitton, two pairs of diamond earrings, and two bracelets from Hermes.

Suggested Reading: Extortion Case: ED Attaches Assets Of Jacqueline Fernandez Over Seven Crore Rupees

Regarding the controversy, the actor requested privacy and wrote on Instagram in January, “The country and its people have always given me tremendous love and respect. This includes my friends from the media, from whom I have learnt a lot. I’m currently going through a rough patch but I’m sure that my friends and fans will see me through it. It is with this trust that I would request my media friends to not circulate images of a nature that intrude on my privacy and personal space. You would not do this to your loved ones, am sure you would not do this to me either. Hoping that justice and good sense prevail. Thank you.”

According to reports, Jacqueline's legal team will argue that the actress didn't realise she was the beneficiary of extortion.