Marked as
Published - January 31, 2026
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Rakesh Kothari is a key figure implicated in a large-scale hawala and money-laundering case in India. He has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly facilitating illegal remittances through hawala channels and creating shell companies to evade regulations. The investigation involves multi-crore financial transactions.
High Risk
Based on the available data, we advise consumers to avoid this Individual altogether.
This advisory is based on an aggregate risk score derived from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors identified in our research.
You are likely to be at great risk by engaging in any sort of consumer-related activity with this entity.
Medium Risk
Based on the available data, we advise employees to be mindful when considering or continuing work with this Individual.
This advisory stems from a medium-risk score compiled from OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors uncovered in our analysis.
Employment with this entity may involve moderate risks.
Based on the available data, we urge investors and bankers to avoid financial involvement with this Individual.
This advisory is informed by an aggregate risk score based on OSINT, Adverse Media, Reviews, and Risk Factors identified through our investigation.
Engaging in investment or lending activities with this entity poses a substantial risk to your financial interests.
Safe to Onboard
Enhanced Due Diligence required
Do Not Onboard
Monitor adverse media every 6 months
File SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) is warranted
Escalation to compliance committee
None
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Role in Scam
Key Associate
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Arrest Date
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Custody Period
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Scam Value
Remittance Destinations
Forged Items
Shell Entities
Involved Bank
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Ongoing Case
PIL Action
Adverse Coverage
Media reports describe Rakesh Kothari as an accused figure in a large-scale hawala money laundering case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate involving thousands of crores of rupees.
The Enforcement Directorate has reported attaching assets worth around ₹10 crore allegedly linked to Rakesh Kothari as part of the Surat hawala investigation.
Court coverage identifies Rakesh Kothari as a hawala accused whose bail pleas were contested and reviewed by the Gujarat High Court.
Business and national media outlets reported that Rakesh Kothari was sent to Enforcement Directorate custody for questioning in relation to the hawala case.
Authorities reportedly imposed a ₹100 crore penalty and cancelled the import licence of Riddhi Siddhi Bullion, a firm named in connected investigations.
Regulatory and Compliance Screening
Litigation and Legal Proceedings
Reputational and Adverse Media Risks
Geographic and Jurisdictional Risk
What you see here scratches the surface
We offer reward for actionable intel
Rakesh Kothari, a Surat trader in a multi‑crore hawala racket, was remanded to four days’ Enforcement Directorate custody in the alleged illegal money
First Detected
Sentiment Analysis
Reach
POV
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Type
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Share of Voice
Primary Keyword
Rakesh Kothari is granted interim bail by Gujarat High Court in a ₹5,395‑crore hawala scam, with surety and travel conditions pending further hearings
ED attaches Rs 10 cr assets linked to Rakesh Kothari in the Surat hawala scam under PMLA in a major money‑laundering probe.
Rakesh Kothari’s bail plea in a major hawala money‑laundering case involving Rs 1,000 + crore remittances was reserved by the Gujarat High Court.
Other Red-Flags and Adverse News
Based on user engagement on this review profile, ProConsumer will decide to publish its Risk Audit report for public if a threshold engagement, traffic and user input is achieved.
Known Assets: [Real estate, investments, companies]
Suspicious Transactions
Liabilities: [Bankruptcies, defaults, debts]
Wealth Sources: [Legitimate / Unclear / High-risk]
Bank Relationships
Ultimate Beneficial Owner(s) (UBOs)
Shareholding structure
Associated entities & subsidiaries
Offshore / shell company links
Trusts / Nominee arrangements
Business Model Assessment
All comments are user-generated content and may not be verified. They represent the personal opinions of the public and should not be relied upon. These comments do not influence or determine our overall rating.
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3.5
Highly experienced
Well-recognized name
Faced allegations of scamming others
Allegedly sold fake silver
Sued multiple times
Unregulated industry
Alarming number of complaints online
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All these multi-crore deals going unnoticed for so long… crazy how much can go wrong behind the scenes.
1/5
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4/5
Idk how he thought he could get away with hawala and illegal remittances. Justice finally catching up.
3/5
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