Business magnate Anil Ambani has officially clarified that recent Enforcement Directorate summons are connected to a Foreign Exchange Management Act inquiry concerning a 15-year-old infrastructure project, not the more serious Prevention of Money Laundering Act allegations as reportedly suggested by some media outlets.
Clarification on ED Summons
In an official statement released on behalf of the industrialist, Ambani emphasized that the ED summons specifically relate to a FEMA inquiry regarding the Jaipur–Reengus highway project. The clarification came in response to what he termed as "false reports in the media" suggesting the investigation involved PMLA charges.
"ED summons to Mr Anil D. Ambani relate to a FEMA inquiry and not to any matter under the PMLA, contrary to false reports in the media," the statement clearly stated. The business leader referenced the ED's official media release dated 3rd November 2025 to support his position.
Background of the 15-Year-Old Case
The matter dates back to 2010 when Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. awarded an Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract for building the Jaipur Ring Road, also known as the Jaipur–Reengus Highway. According to Ambani's statement, this was an entirely domestic project with no foreign exchange involvement.
The project has long been completed, with the JR Toll Road being fully operational and subsequently transferred to the National Highways Authority of India. Since 2021, NHAI has been managing the highway for over four years without any operational issues.
ED's Findings and Ambani's Current Role
The Enforcement Directorate's press release from November 3 presented a different perspective, stating that separate search and seizure operations under FEMA uncovered ₹40 crore allegedly siphoned from the Jaipur–Reengus highway project. The investigation revealed that funds were moved through Surat-based shell companies to Dubai, unearthing what ED described as a wider international hawala network exceeding ₹600 crore.
Ambani further clarified his current position with Reliance Infrastructure, noting that he is not a board member of the company. He served as a non-executive director from April 2007 to March 2022 – approximately fifteen years – and emphasized that he was never involved in the day-to-day management of the company during his tenure.
The clarification comes at a time when business leaders face increased scrutiny regarding corporate governance and financial compliance, with this particular case highlighting the distinction between FEMA inquiries and the more severe PMLA allegations in Indian corporate law.
