ED action against AAP leader Deepak Singla revives focus on loan fraud probe

Rashmi Pandey — Mon, 18 May 2026 09:37:37 +0000

Enforcement Directorate on Monday arrested Deepak Singla in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to a bank loan fraud investigation, officials said.

The arrest followed searches conducted by the central agency at multiple locations in Delhi and Goa as part of its ongoing probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

According to officials familiar with the investigation, the case is connected to an alleged bank loan fraud, though detailed allegations and the exact amount involved were not immediately disclosed publicly by the agency.

Deepak Singla had earlier contested the Delhi Assembly elections from the Vishwas Nagar constituency as a candidate of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He had also faced Enforcement Directorate searches in 2024 in connection with the same investigation.

Officials said the latest raids were carried out to gather financial records, digital evidence and documents linked to suspected money laundering transactions connected to the alleged fraud case.

The ED has been intensifying investigations into financial crime cases involving alleged diversion of bank funds, shell entities and laundering of proceeds generated through fraudulent financial activities. The agency generally initiates money laundering investigations based on predicate offences registered by agencies such as the CBI or local police authorities.

No official detailed statement from the Aam Aadmi Party had been released immediately after the arrest. The party has previously accused central agencies of politically motivated action in cases involving opposition leaders, while investigating agencies have maintained that probes are based on evidence and legal procedures.

The development adds to a series of recent enforcement actions involving political figures and financial crime investigations across multiple states.

Sources indicated that Deepak Singla is likely to be produced before a special court where the ED may seek custodial remand for further questioning regarding financial transactions and alleged fund movement connected to the case.

Further investigation is underway, and officials said additional financial links and associated individuals are also being examined as part of the probe.

VishwasNagar | Business Upturn

ED action against AAP leader Deepak Singla revives focus on loan fraud probe