Mumbai: Central Bureau of Investigation Files Corruption FIR Against Sameer Wankhede
Mumbai, 10th February 2024: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has commenced proceedings in a money laundering case against Sameer Wankhede, an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). This development follows a corruption FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The genesis of the CBI’s inquiry traces back to Wankhede’s involvement in the investigation of a drug seizure aboard the Cordelia cruise ship in October 2021. Notably, this operation led to the apprehension of multiple individuals, including Aryan Khan, son of actor Shah Rukh Khan.
In tandem with these actions, the ED has issued summons to three officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), among them Kapil, the superintendent of vigilance who initiated the corruption allegations investigated by the CBI. These summoned officials are slated to appear before authorities in the forthcoming week.
Concurrently, Wankhede has opted for legal recourse by petitioning the Bombay High Court to dismiss the case against him and to secure protection from any coercive measures.
Who is Sameer Wankhede?
Sameer Wankhede, a member of the Indian Revenue Service since 2008, previously held the position of Zonal Director at the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Renowned for his pivotal roles in high-profile cases, he has been at the forefront of operations against drug trafficking, earning accolades for significant seizures. Notable instances include the Zakir Naik money laundering case, the detainment of Dawood Ibrahim’s associate Chinku Pathan, and the apprehension of singer Mika Singh at Mumbai airport. However, controversy arose from his leadership in the Cordelia cruise ship raid involving Aryan Khan, culminating in corruption allegations and legal battles. Despite facing scrutiny and accusations, Wankhede maintains his innocence, attributing the ongoing challenges to his purportedly “patriotic actions.”
