Delhi High Court seeks ED response on businessman Hari Om Rai's bail plea
Oct 03, 2024
New Delhi [India], October 3 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate regarding a bail plea filed by businessman Hari Om Rai in connection with the Vivo money laundering case.
Hari Om Rai, the former CMD of Lava International Ltd, is an accused in a money laundering case linked to the Chinese smartphone maker Vivo.
The concerned bench of Delhi High Court issued notices on both the bail application and the writ petition challenging the arrest under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The bail hearing is scheduled for October 18, while the writ petition is set to be heard in November 2024.
Senior Lawyer Vikas Pahwa appeared for Hari Om Rai in the matter.
The trial court recently denied Hari Om Rai bail, citing the seriousness of the charges against him and concerns about his questionable conduct in the past.
Earlier, Hari Om Rai In his defence explained that he met Vivo's CEO in 2013 to discuss a potential joint venture, which ultimately did not materialize. He argued that his past interactions with Vivo do not equate to any wrongdoing, especially given the current geopolitical tensions between India and China.
The ED's allegations center on fraudulent activities linked to the incorporation of certain companies associated with Vivo, including the use of forged identification documents. The investigation has led to several arrests and the seizure of significant cash. The ED initiated its PMLA investigation on February 3, 2022, and the matter continues to unfold as Rai seeks further legal recourse.
