- Authorities detained lawyer Vijay Aggarwal in Mayfair for allegedly performing unauthorized legal work under his current status.
- Inspectors discovered a substantial amount of unexplained cash, leading to investigations into potential international financial connections.
- The detention follows a significant UK High Court setback for Aggarwal’s high-profile client, Mehul Choksi, in July.
British immigration authorities reportedly detained Vijay Aggarwal in London on August 18, 2026, over allegations that he performed legal work without permission under his UK immigration status. The detention took place at a property in Mayfair.
Aggarwal is an Indian criminal defense lawyer known for representing Mehul Choksi in extradition and fraud cases. Authorities reportedly held him for approximately three days while questioning him about the alleged work permit breach and other possible immigration violations.
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The inspection also uncovered a “substantial amount of unexplained cash.” The visit reportedly followed a complaint from the property’s landlord, filed in May 2026.
The cash has widened the inquiry. UK authorities are examining possible financial connections to international networks, including allegations involving funding for the pro-Khalistan movement.
The allegations remain under investigation. Reports indicate that Aggarwal may have violated immigration rules beyond the work authorization issue.
The case places a prominent cross-border lawyer inside a British immigration and financial inquiry. It also comes weeks after a court setback for his client.
The inquiry reaches beyond the alleged permit violation
Authorities are examining whether the cash found at the Mayfair premises connects to overseas networks. The inquiry reportedly includes allegations about support for the pro-Khalistan movement, which Indian and UK authorities monitor as a threat to national sovereignty.
The immigration issue concerns professional activity carried out in Britain under a status that allegedly did not allow it. That question could affect lawyers who travel internationally and advise clients without securing explicit permission to work in the country where the advice is delivered.
Britain is also preparing immigration reforms that take effect in October 2026. The changes expand the definition of “employer” and raise penalties for unauthorized professional activity.
The UK Home Office oversees Britain’s immigration system. The inquiry into Aggarwal involves British immigration authorities rather than US agencies.
The reported discovery of cash adds a separate potential exposure. Aggarwal could face possible criminal charges linked to the money, in addition to immigration consequences.
The detention follows Choksi’s failed High Court claim
The detention came after the UK High Court struck out Choksi’s conspiracy and kidnapping claim against the Indian government on July 20, 2026. The court took that step after he failed to provide £677,000 in security for costs.
That ruling marked a setback in Choksi’s UK litigation. His lawyer’s detention now creates a separate problem for the legal team handling his extradition disputes.
Choksi faces legal proceedings in multiple jurisdictions, and Aggarwal had served as his lead counsel. The lawyer’s detention therefore places the person described as Choksi’s primary legal strategist in personal legal jeopardy while the client continues fighting his cases.
The two developments involve different proceedings. The High Court case concerned Choksi’s claim against the Indian government, while the immigration inquiry concerns Aggarwal’s conduct and status in Britain.
Aggarwal could face removal and visa restrictions
The reported consequences for Aggarwal include several possible outcomes:
- potential deportation from the United Kingdom;
- a mandatory refusal period for future UK visa applications; and
- possible criminal charges connected to the unexplained cash.
Those outcomes are not automatic. They would depend on the immigration and financial investigations, as well as any decisions made by British authorities.
The case has also become a warning for lawyers working across borders. International counsel may need clear local work authorization before carrying out professional activity in the United Kingdom, particularly where their immigration status limits employment or business activity.
A permit violation and a cash-related criminal allegation would present different legal questions. Immigration enforcement could address the first, while any financial case would require its own investigation and process.
The reported three-day detention reflects questioning rather than a final finding of liability. Aggarwal’s eventual position in Britain will depend on the steps authorities take after the investigation.
The inquiry was continuing as of August 19, 2026. Its outcome could affect both Aggarwal’s ability to work in the United Kingdom and the representation available to Choksi in his extradition battles.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your specific case.
