Panama Papers scandal: Amitabh, Aishwarya submit documents to Enforcement Directorate

Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Ajay Devgn were among the big wigs whose named had cropped up in the Panama Papers scandal. Panama Papers refers to about 15 lakh documents with details on financial and attorney–client information for more than 214,488 offshore entities.

As per a report by FirstPost.com, Bachchan and his daughter-in-law have submitted documents of their financial dealings to the ED ( Enforcement Directorate) in connection with the probe. The ED is said to have issued summons Bachchan, Rai Bachchan and Devgn before. 

“In a phase-wise manner, concerned individuals and entities are being summoned and statements have been recorded. In the next phase, another set of names would be summoned. It could include film stars as well, whose names and addresses were found to be part of the leaked data of 2,10,000 offshore companies incorporated by Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca,” the report quoted a source from another report in IndiaToday.com. 

Bachchan’s named had cropped up in the investigations last year. He was alleged to have stashed money abroad in tax haven countries. The report was first out in the Indian Express. As per a report in FirstPost.com, Bachchan was alleged to be the chairman of Sea Bulk Shipping Company Ltd, Lady Shipping Ltd, Treasure Shipping Ltd, and Tramp Shipping Ltd. 

In his defence, Bachchan has issued a statement saying that he had no idea of these companies and perhaps his name was being misused. 

Ajay Devgn claims that he has given details of his off shore accounts while filing his income tax returns. 

The Panama Papers alleged that Rai Bachchan and her family members were members of a company incorporated in the British Virgin Island. As per the Indian Express report dated, 5 April, 2016, Rai Bachchan, her parents, and brother were registered as directors of Amic Partners Limited. Her status was later changed to shareholder before the company was dissolved in 2008.