IPAC Director Vinesh Chandel arrested in an Enforcement Directorate investigation into an alleged coal pilferage-linked money laundering case. Chandel, founder and director of Indian PAC Consulting Pvt Ltd, was produced before Patiala House Courts, which granted the ED 10 days of custody. The agency alleges that its investigation identified suspicious transactions, unsecured loans, questionable invoices and alleged hawala-linked transfers involving around ₹50 crore. The claims remain allegations under investigation, and criminal liability will be determined through the judicial process.
IPAC Director Vinesh Chandel Arrested in Coal Pilferage Money Laundering Probe
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested IPAC Director Vinesh Chandel in an alleged coal pilferage money laundering case. The agency claims its probe has uncovered suspicious financial transactions worth around ₹50 crore.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Vinesh Chandel, the founder and director of Indian PAC Consulting Pvt Ltd (IPAC), in connection with an alleged coal pilferage money laundering case. The action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, after an investigation that began with a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Delhi Police.
According to the ED, Chandel was arrested on Monday and later brought before Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon at Patiala House Courts in New Delhi. The court granted the agency 10 days of custody so investigators can continue questioning him and examine the evidence collected so far.
The agency said Chandel is not only the founder and director of IPAC but also owns a 33 percent stake in the company. Officials believe some of the company's financial dealings are connected to the alleged money laundering case and are now being closely examined.
ED says it found suspicious financial transactions
In its official statement, the ED said the investigation found that IPAC allegedly received both declared and undeclared money. It also claimed the company accepted unsecured loans from businesses that had little or no genuine business activity.
The agency further alleged that fake bills and invoices were used in some transactions. It also claimed money was received from third parties and moved through hawala channels, including some transactions with international links.
Based on the investigation so far, the ED believes around ₹50 crore in alleged proceeds of crime was routed through these transactions. Officials said they have recorded statements from several people connected to the case and collected documents and digital records during searches.
The agency also said the investigation has pointed to the alleged involvement of Vinesh Chandel. Under the law, company directors can be held responsible if an offence takes place with their consent, involvement or because of their negligence. However, these are allegations made by the investigating agency, and the matter will ultimately be decided by the court.
Also Read: Gameskraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Under Scanner After ED Attaches ₹1,906 Crore in PMLA Probe.
Earlier, ED searches had also targeted IPAC
This is not the first time IPAC has come under the ED's scanner. In January 2026, the agency searched 15 locations across the country, including the company's office in Kolkata, as part of a separate investigation into an alleged fake government job scam.
According to the ED, that case involved a group accused of cheating people by promising fake government jobs. So far, the agency has not said whether that investigation is directly linked to the present coal pilferage money laundering case.
The investigation is still underway, and the ED is expected to continue examining financial records and questioning more people in the coming days. More details are likely to emerge as the case moves through the legal process. Sprouts News will continue to follow the developments and bring updates as official information becomes available.






















