Raj Kundra Challenges Bitcoin Money Laundering Order

Businessman Raj Kundra has moved the Bombay High Court against a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court's order in an alleged Bitcoin-linked money laundering case. The case, filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), alleges that Kundra received 285 Bitcoins worth around Rs 150.47 crore from Gainbitcoin.com promoter Amit Bhardwaj between July and August 2017.

The ED claims that Kundra neither disclosed the details of the Bitcoin wallet nor handed over the cryptocurrency during the investigation. The agency also alleges that a transaction involving the sale of the couple's 'Ocean View' apartments in Juhu at a nominal value was intended to mask the source of the funds.

The special PMLA court had taken cognisance of the ED's prosecution complaint in February 2024, but Kundra was named as an accused only after the ED filed a supplementary prosecution complaint in September 2025. On January 5 this year, the special court took cognisance of the supplementary complaint and issued summons to Kundra on January 7.

Kundra's advocate argued that the special court acted in violation of Section 223(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which requires that an accused be given an opportunity to be heard before a court takes cognisance of an offence. The advocate contended that once the BNSS came into force, the proceedings ought to have been governed by its provisions instead of the repealed Code of Criminal Procedure.

The Bombay High Court has kept the matter for hearing on August 6 after the ED's advocate sought time to take instructions. Kundra had appeared before the special court in response to the summons and had been granted bail.

The ED's allegations against Kundra are part of a larger case against Gainbitcoin.com promoter Amit Bhardwaj and others. The case has been ongoing since 2019, when the ED filed a prosecution complaint against Bhardwaj and others.

The Bombay High Court's decision in this case will have significant implications for the ongoing investigation into the alleged Bitcoin money laundering case. The court's ruling will determine whether the special PMLA court's order was valid and whether Kundra will have to face trial in the case.

The case highlights the increasing scrutiny of cryptocurrency transactions in India and the need for greater transparency and regulation in the sector. The ED's allegations against Kundra and others demonstrate the agency's efforts to crack down on money laundering and other financial crimes in the country.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's hearing on August 6 will be closely watched as it will determine the fate of Raj Kundra in the alleged Bitcoin money laundering case. The court's decision will have significant implications for the ongoing investigation and the future of cryptocurrency regulation in India.