The Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached properties worth Rs 48 lakh of Delhi-based journalist Rajeev Sharma, in connection with a money-laundering inquiry and is facing allegations on leakage and supply of sensitive information to Chinese intelligence officers.
Sharma’s property has been attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He is also facing charges under the stringent Official Secrets Act. Sharma will face more than ten years in prison if convicted.
The money-laundering investigation was initiated by ED based on the FIR and charge sheet filed by Delhi Police against Rajeev Sharma under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Official Secrets Act.
The officials have alleged that Rajeev Sharma has compromised the security and national interest of the country by supplying confidential and sensitive information to Chinese intelligence officers, in exchange for remuneration.
As per a statement from ED, it’s investigation disclosed that the remuneration to Rajeev Sharma was being provided by a Mahipalpur-based shell company that was run by Chinese nationals – Zhang Cheng alias Suraj, Zhang Lixia alias Usha, and Qing Shi along with a Nepali national, Sher Singh alias Raj Bohara.
It further added,”This Chinese company was acting as a conduit for the Chinese intelligence agencies to provide remuneration for persons like Rajeev Sharma, the remuneration was being paid in cash through carriers as well as through cash deposits. Rajeev Sharma also received money using the bank account of his friend to conceal his involvement in criminal activities.”
Sharma was arrested by the Delhi Police in September 2019 after intelligence agencies alerted he was passing the country’s confidential information to China.
