LONDON, Aug 20: Criminal lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, known for representing fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, has been charged with four counts of sexual assault following his arrest in London, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Aggarwal was arrested on August 11 at a property on Brick Street in the upmarket Mayfair area after police received reports of sexual assaults at the address.
The 57 year old lawyer was subsequently charged and appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 13. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before Southwark Crown Court on September 10.
The Metropolitan Police said the alleged incidents took place on May 26 and August 9. Two women who reported the alleged assaults remain in contact with specialist officers providing support.
Aggarwal has represented Choksi in legal proceedings involving allegations of fraud and money laundering. Choksi is wanted in India in connection with the Punjab National Bank fraud case.
A 41-year-old woman, identified as Manpreet Kaur, was also arrested at the Mayfair property. Police said she has been charged with two counts of intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an either-way offence, namely sexual assault. She was also remanded in custody for the September 10 hearing.
Two other people a 23 year old man and a 43 year old woman were arrested during the investigation but have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
The address at 29 Brick Street is advertised as a luxury residential property comprising multi-storey apartments. Located close to Hyde Park, the accommodation is marketed for both short- and long-term stays.
The charges relate to allegations, and the defendants are entitled to due process. No finding of guilt has been made by the court.