UK High Court allows seizure of Vijay Mallya's UK assets

A UK High Court judge has issued an order in favour of a consortium of 13 Indian banks, granting permission to the British Enforcement Officer to enter the properties of liquor baron Vijay Mallya in Hertfordshire, near London. He is fighting extradition to India on fraud and money laundering charges.

The order permits the UK High Court Enforcement Officer and his agents entry to Ladywalk and Bramble Lodge in Tewin, Welwyn, where the 62-year-old Mallya is currently based. However, it is not an instruction to enter, which means the banks have the option to use the order as one of the means to recover estimated funds of around £1.14 billion.

“The High Court Enforcement Officer, including any enforcement agents acting under his authority, may enter Ladywalk, Queen Hoo Lane, Tewin… including all outbuildings of Ladywalk and Bramble Lodge to search for and take control of goods belonging to Mallya,” notes the order by Justice Byran, dated June 26.