Anil Ambani’s descent from world’s 6th richest to bankruptcy:How his $42 billion net worth reduced to ‘zero’

The business empire of Anil Ambani faces a significant crackdown as India’s probe agencies tighten their grip on the assets linked to the troubled businessman. In a major development this week, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has frozen several high-profile properties linked to the troubled industrialist, marking a dramatic chapter in the fall of a man who was once the world’s sixth-richest person. Why are agencies seizing his assets? The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are taking these actions due to a massive bank fraud and money laundering investigations launched against the troubled businessman. The probe centers on Reliance Communications (RCOM), which allegedly laundered over ₹40,000 crore after taking loans from a group of banks including State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Bank of Baroda (BoB). Allegations are that funds were diverted through fictitious transactions to related companies and private family trusts rather than being used for business or debt repayment. Properties related with Anil Ambani What has been seized so far? As of late April 2026, the ED has issued a fresh order to attach assets worth ₹3,034 crore. This brings the total value of seized assets in the cases against his group to a staggering ₹19,344 crore. The Fall of a Giant: Then vs. Now The contrast between Anil Ambani’s good times and his current situation is a stark example of corporate decline. At His Peak (2008): Following the historic Reliance Power IPO, Anil Ambani’s net worth was estimated at $42 billion (approx. ₹3.5 lakh crore) according to the Forbes Billionaires List (2008). At the time, he used to own a massive fleet of private jets, luxury yachts, and a 17-story home in Mumbai.
The Current Reality (2026): His empire has largely collapsed under a mountain of debt. In 2020, he famously told a UK court that his net worth was $0 and that he was living a simple life supported by his family. My net worth is zero after taking into account my liabilities. In summary, I do not hold any meaningful assets which can be liquidated for the purposes of these proceedings. -Anil Ambani in UK Court
Companies under Ambani Jr: After the death of Anil Ambani’s father in 2002, there was a feud with his elder sibling Mukesh Ambani regarding property distribution as their father had not left any will. Then, their mother stepped in and split the family business between the two brothers. In 2006, the younger sibling got companies like Reliance Infocomm, Reliance Energy, Reliance Capital, etc. While, the elder brother got the other verticals of family business, the owner compant of which is Reliance Industries Limited (RIL).