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{{COI|date=May 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Abhishek Verma
| image = Abhishek Verma profile picture from Twitter.JPG
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1968|02|23}}
| birth_place = New Delhi, India
| nationality = Indian
| education =
| occupation = [[Arms dealer]]
| organization = Shrikant Verma Trust
| known_for = Being the prime suspect in [[Scorpene deal scam]]
| height =
| religion =
| children =
| mother = [[Veena Verma (politician)|Veena Verma]]
| father = [[Shrikant Verma]]
| family =
| website =
| module =
| imagesize =
| spouse = [[Anca Verma]] (married 2006-present)
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
'''Abhishek Verma''' (born 23 February 1968 in [[New Delhi]], India) is a [[Billionaire]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Billionaire Abhishek Verma {{!}} National Business Mirror|url=https://www.nationalbusinessmirror.com/tag/billionaire-abhishek-verma/|access-date=2021-02-11|language=en-US}}</ref> [[arms dealer]] globally known as the 'Lord of War'<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsleakcentre.com/news/big-blow-to-cbi-special-court-discharged-abhishek-verma-and-anca-verma-in-arms-dealer-case/|title=Big blow to CBI, Special court discharged Abhishek Verma and Anca Verma in arms dealer case – News Leak Centre|language=en|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-113750789.html|title=KORRUPTION : Evas Kanonen - DER SPIEGEL 39/2013|website=spiegel.de|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Lukas Häuptli|url=https://www.nzz.ch/nzzas/nzz-am-sonntag/ruestungsfirmen-unter-verdacht-1.18174488|title=Rüstungsfirmen unter Korruptionsverdacht {{!}} NZZ|work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung|access-date=2020-04-24|language=de}}</ref> and was the main suspect in the [[Scorpene deal scam|Scorpene Submarines deal scandal]] but was exonerated by Indian Courts in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/no-kickbacks-paid-in-2005-scorpene-submarine-deal-centre-to-delhi-high-court/articleshow/49438346.cms?from=mdr|title=No kickbacks paid in 2005 Scorpene submarine deal: Centre to Delhi High Court|date=2018-07-14|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/no-evidence-of-kickbacks-in-scorpene-deal/story-UXavr0RQhYbmTD1CwtG7CP.html|title='No evidence of kickbacks in Scorpene deal'|date=2008-07-16|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref>

==Personal life==

Verma's father, [[Shrikant Verma]], was a leading journalist before [[Indira Gandhi]] brought him into the [[Indian National Congress]] party (INC) and made him a member of the 1976 Indian Parliament.<ref>[http://www.spdbooks.org/Producte/9788192129525/magadh.aspx Magadh – Shrikant Verma : Small Press Distribution]. Spdbooks.org (9 January 2013). Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref> From an early age, he<ref>[http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/the-world-of-abhishek-verma/977650/1 The world of Abhishek Verma – Indian Express]. Archive.indianexpress.com (22 July 2012). Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref> was exposed to the media in his public life due to the assistance he provided his father. His mother, [[Veena Verma (politician)|Veena Verma]], served for fourteen years as a Member of Parliament, and was Vice-President of the INC, responsible for the [[All India Mahila Congress|Mahila]] Congress.<ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-former-mp-veena-vermas-farmhouse-burgled-543267 Delhi: Former MP Veena Verma's farmhouse burgled]. Ndtv.com (3 December 2013). Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref>

In 2001, Verma was engaged to marry [[Evelina Papantoniou]], a former Miss Greece and runner-up in the Miss Universe competition.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/glitterati/393|title=Abhishek was to marry Evelina Papantoniou former Miss Universe}}</ref> He was also dating Playboy center-fold Simone Cronstrand<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cancan.ro/showbiz/sexy/povestea-fabuloasa-ancai-maria-neacsu-ajuns-receptionera-managerul-unei-afaceri-peste-miliarde-224632.html|title=Abhishek dating Simone Cronstrand in the past}}</ref> prior to marrying [[Anca Verma|Anca Neacsu]] former [[Miss Romania]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationalbusinessmirror.com/tag/anca-verma/|title=Anca Verma {{!}} National Business Mirror|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-24}}</ref><ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/arms-dealer-wife-have-a-jailhouse-romance-in-tihar/story-gX18slF2ZEg3LiyjqNJwWK.html Arms dealer, wife have a jailhouse romance in Tihar | india]. Hindustan Times. Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref>

==Career==
Verma was Chairman of Atlas Interactive India Private Limited and signed an agreement with the Indian Government to run [[Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited]] to provide the technology for 'netTV' (television through an internet connection) by 2004.<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/13/stories/2004061309390400.htm New Delhi News : Atlas, BSNL tie up for `netTV']{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. The Hindu (13 June 2004). Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref> In 2011 Verma took over the reins of Olialia World<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/abhishek-verma-from-defence-to-cola-film-business/articleshow/55274664.cms|title=Abhishek Verma: From defence to cola, film business|date=6 November 2016|work=The Economic Times|access-date=11 November 2017}}</ref> a multinational FMCG brand<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-11442920|title='Blonde island' plan raises eyebrows|last=McGuinness|first=Damien|date=2 October 2010|work=BBC News|access-date=11 November 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref> as the Chief Evangelist of the group. In 2017 Verma was awarded the contract to construct & own [[Maldives]] [[International airport]] with an investment of US$500 million,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newsleakcentre.com/business/maldives-awards-olialia-india-abhishek-vermas-firm-build-international-airport/|title=Maldives awards Olialia India, Abhishek Verma’s firm to build international airport|website=newsleakcentre.com|language=en|access-date=11 November 2017}}</ref> which would be known as Olialia International Airport for 50 years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://maldivestimes.com/maldives-invites-company-of-an-arms-dealer-to-construct-international-airport/|title=Maldives ‘invites’ company of an arms dealer to construct international airport|date=10 October 2017|work=Maldives Times|access-date=11 November 2017}}</ref>

In May 2019 a controversy erupted in Maldives when photos of Billionaire Verma were published with President [[Mohamed Nasheed|Mohammed Nasheed]] who is the Chairman of [[Maldivian Democratic Party|MDP Party]] in Maldives. Verma threatened to sue the columnist Bushry associated with the newspaper One Online causing uproar in Maldives.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Online|first=One|url=https://oneonline.mv/en/6607?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=95ce73ce550d6a575e4b73098bf15295df393300-1587289189-0-Ae6EbHGbIbC3wJ2QPQTbJrzWhSzZjBjAmDq48JyDN6yZy9bca-t7KSeNMZgldbmdhMMh5HpMAYjJtVhhBRtOVjhGCyU0SErUbVdtWV9OaQ-QSwUH0Pnr5O1j7Ym-CmyCCQiV6eqIdS3nYYh3H_4654poLmgzswpltS7OQRChwCwkW80rUSrNYX22y5NBQo6c2zPNn5X8b0ZV2drvEweLDHZ5_MM0uFjzH1r36ABXg1TvXSTQpL8WHyisDp_qqBPClpQ6mNH1tdo2lJncbGT5ySHahhT5luRXU2vPe-JUuxTN|title=One Online|date=May 2019|work=One Online}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://themaldivesreport.com/887/|title=Why Did Ex-Prez Nasheed Meet an Indian Arms Dealer ? {{!}} The Maldives Report|date=2019-03-02|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-19}}</ref>

Verma is the main witness in [[1984 anti-Sikh riots]] against Congress leader [[Jagdish Tytler]]. The courts in December 2015 directed the [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI) to record Verma's testimony as witness.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151204/nation-current-affairs/article/1984-riots-cbi-asked-conduct-further-probe-against-jagdish|title=Tytler case news}}</ref> Due to the high threat perception, Verma was granted round the clock 'Z' category [[Delhi Police]] protection and paramilitary forces on the directions of [[Delhi High Court]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/1984-anti-sikh-riots-abhishek-verma-receives-death-threats-files-writ-complaint-with-police-117102900406_1.html|title=1984 Anti-Sikh riots: Abhishek Verma receives 'death threats', files writ complaint with Police|last=ANI|date=29 October 2017|work=Business Standard India|access-date=29 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Club|first=Abhishek Verma Fan|date=2018-09-07|title=AMAZING FACTS ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL POWER COUPLE — BILLIONAIRE ABHISHEK VERMA & ANCA VERMA|url=https://medium.com/@abhishekvermafanclub/amazing-facts-about-the-international-power-couple-billionaire-abhishek-verma-anca-verma-f4f6744b2074|access-date=2020-11-12|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref>

Verma's proximity to [[Varun Gandhi]], scion of the [[Nehru–Gandhi family]], was made public when explicit photos of Gandhi and Verma with European escorts were released to the news media in 2016 by social activist politician [[Prashant Bhushan]]. Gandhi and Verma denied the allegations and issued statements that the photos released by Bhushan were [[Morphing|morphed]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Arms-dealer-Abhishek-Verma-rejects-allegations-of-defence-leaks-against-Varun-Gandhi/articleshow/54964402.cms|title=Defence leaks? Arms dealer Abhishek Verma rejects allegations against Varun Gandhi - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/abhishek-verma-congress-conspiracy-varun-gandhi-morphed-images/1/795665.html|title=EXCLUSIVE: Controversial arms dealer hints at Congress conspiracy against Varun Gandhi|access-date=1 December 2017}}</ref> Bhushan's allegations of Gandhi being blackmailed by Verma were also rubbished by Gandhi.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Varun-Gandhi-dismisses-honey-trapping-allegations-Was-never-blackmailed-never-had-important-defence-information/articleshow/54994803.cms|title=Varun Gandhi dismisses ‘honey trapping’ allegations : Was never ‘blackmailed’, never had important defence information - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=1 December 2017}}</ref>

Verma was nominated to contest [[Lok Sabha]] parliamentary elections from Congress Party in 1996, which he turned down due to personal reasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/abhishek-verma-universe-of-lust-and-lucre/1/210833.html|title=Lok Sabha nomination turned down by Abhishek Verma}}</ref>

[[File:Abhishek Verma & his wife Anca Verma.jpg|thumb|Abhishek Verma with his wife Anca Verma]]

==Allegations of corruption and imprisonment==
In 2006, Verma was accused by the opposition [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) of receiving [[kickbacks]] amounting to around US$200 million, through a US$4.5 billion Indian military deal, as a consequence of the Indian government purchasing six [[Scorpène-class submarine]]s from [[Thales Group|Thales]]. The BJP raised this in Parliament, pointing out his proximity to the [[Indian National Congress|Congress party]], and alleged he had gained the agency to negotiate the contract with Thales as a result of bribing certain Congress politicians.<ref>[http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/sting-of-the-scorpene/231796 Sting Of The Scorpene]. Outlookindia.com. Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/india/abhishek-arunoday-496333.html Arms dealer Abhishek Verma, wife get bail:IBNLive Videos]. Ibnlive.com. Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref><ref>[http://www.sunday-guardian.com/investigation/former-partners-accuse-each-other-of-fraud-in-massive-defence-deals-2 Former ‘partners’ accuse each other of fraud in massive defence deals]. Sunday-guardian.com. Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref>

Verma and Thales immediately denied all the allegations, and launched a [[lawsuit]] against ''[[The Outlook Magazine]]'', which had been the first to break the story. He also sued the former BJP [[Deputy Prime Minister of India]], [[L. K. Advani]], for criminal defamation; Advani had campaigned against Verma, demanding the Government charge the latter with corruption.<ref>[http://news.webindia123.com/news/new/archives/ar_showdetails.asp?id=286974&cat=India&n_date=2006 Advani, arms dealer framed me in Scorpene deal: Abhishek Verma – India News – Webindia123.com]. News.webindia123.com (24 March 2006). Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref>

In 2015 the [[Delhi High Court]] exonerated Verma when the CBI published their report into the allegations: they stated that the monies received by him was not a result of the submarine sale.<ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/money-received-by-abhishek-verma-not-related-to-scorpene-deal-cbi_516647.html Money received by Abhishek Verma not related to Scorpene deal: CBI | Zee News]. Zeenews.india.com (21 March 2009). Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref> On 7 June 2012, CBI raided Verma's 10 premises and establishments in India after registration of cases of corruption and money laundering.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGwhJhIa_xI|title=Video Abhishek Verma raided June 7, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-war-room-leak-case-Abhishek-Vermas-premises-raided-by-CBI/articleshow/13913512.cms|title=Abhishek Verma raided June 7, 2012 - Times of India}}</ref>

In 2013, Verma was named a suspect in the [[2013 Indian helicopter bribery scandal]] by the Indian Government for massive bribes exceeding Euros 50 million that were paid to Indian politicians including [[Sonia Gandhi]] as alleged by BJP leader [[Subramanian Swamy]]. Verma is suspected to have been the middleman in the chopper deal and the nexus was exposed by [[Times Now|TimesNow TV]] with their global investigation however he was acquitted by the Indian Courts in April 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/Abhishek-Vermas-firm-acted-as-brokers-for-AgustaWestland/videoshow/18510668.cms|title=Abhishek Verma played middleman in AgustaWestland 12 VVIP helicopters bribery scandal 2013 news on TimesNow}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Abhishek-Vermas-firm-acted-as-brokers-for-AgustaWestland/articleshow/18508189.cms|title=Times of India - AgustaWestland Scam news related to Abhishek Verma}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/D88rRDfV1ovioFap4ODsaP/Helicopter-deal-controversy-A-news-roundup.html|title=Abhishek Verma involvement in VVIP Helicopters |work=LiveMint}}</ref>

Due to various other arms deal-related cases that Verma and his wife are alleged to have been involved in, the government attempted to freeze their secret bank accounts in [[LGT Bank in Liechtenstein AG|Liechtenstein]], which are said to hold over US$500 million; however the Liechtenstein authorities rejected the Indian government's request to open the accounts in 2015.<ref>[http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-05-22/news/62504412_1_rheinmetall-air-defence-abhishek-verma-anca-neacsu Submit proof to freeze Abhishek Verma's bank account, says Liechtenstein to ED – timesofindia-economictimes]. Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com. Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref><ref>[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/enforcement-directorate-abhishek-verma-liechtenstein-authorities/1/401012.html Setback for ED probing Abhishek Verma's foreign bank accounts : North, News – India Today]. Indiatoday.intoday.in (16 November 2014). Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref><ref>[http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-08-31/news/66071030_1_rheinmetall-air-defence-ag-blacklisting-proceedings-ganton Swiss authorities refuse to share information on Abhishek Verma – timesofindia-economictimes]. Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com. Retrieved on 11 April 2016.</ref>

When [[Enforcement Directorate]] raids were carried out at Verma's residences, among the goods seized were 36 paintings, valued at over US$5 million<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/36-paintings-seized-in-raids-on-abhishek-vermas-premises/article5618203.ece|title=High Value paintings seized from Abhishek Verma farmhouse by ED|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ed-seizes-over-3-dozen-paintings-from-abhishek-verma-s-props-114012701121_1.html|title=Business Standard High Value Paintings seized news|work=business standard}}</ref> and designer watches worth US$1 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Enforcement-Directorate-seizes-16-watches-worth-Rs-44-lakh/articleshow/24618503.cms|title=Abhishek Verma's high end watches seized|work=The Times of India}}</ref>

In June 2012, Verma was arrested and charged with [[Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988|corruption]] and [[Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002|money laundering]];<ref>{{cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cbi-books-arms-dealer-abhishek-verma-under-official-secrets-act/1/215251.html |title=CBI books arms dealer Abhishek Verma under Official Secrets Act |work=India Today |date=30 August 2012}}</ref> the trial commenced in December 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Court puts Jagdish Tytler, Abhishek Verma on trial in cheating case|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/court-puts-jagdish-tytler-abhishek-verma-on-trial-in-cheating-case/articleshow/50104598.cms|work=The Economic Times|date=9 December 2015}}</ref> In April 2017, a CBI [[special court]] [[exonerated]] Verma and his wife from all the allegations and charges and gave them a clean chit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/court-discharges-abhishek-verma-in-graft-case/articleshow/58380997.cms|title=Court discharges Abhishek Verma in graft case|last=PTI|date=26 April 2017|work=The Economic Times|access-date=6 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/court-discharges-abhishek-verma-wife-in-graft-cases/article18233443.ece|title=Court discharges Abhishek Verma, wife in graft cases|last=Kumar|first=Nirnimesh|work=The Hindu|access-date=6 June 2017}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Verma, Abhishek}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Delhi]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from New Delhi]]
[[Category:Indian socialites]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Delhi]]
[[Category:Arms traders]]

Abhishek Verma (arms dealer) - Revision history

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