Dubai developer featured on Netflix faces UAE asset freeze, ongoing India proceedings

Months after Netflix's Desi Bling introduced him to millions as one of Dubai's most flamboyant businessmen, Satish Sanpal is facing fresh scrutiny in the UAE while criminal proceedings against him continue in India. UAE authorities have temporarily frozen accounts and assets linked to Sanpal as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. No criminal charges have been filed in the UAE, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The freezing order comes less than two months after ANAX Developments, part of Sanpal's ANAX Holding group, announced ELLE Residences Dubai Islands, a luxury waterfront residential project being developed under licence from the French fashion brand. The order also extends to assets linked to Sanpal's wife, Tabinda, and ANAX-related entities.
Sanpal, 42, founder of ANAX Holding, was introduced to a global audience through Desi Bling, the Netflix reality series following affluent South Asians in Dubai. Appearing alongside Tabinda, he spoke of his journey from modest beginnings while showcasing a lifestyle of luxury homes, supercars and private yachts. The series also featured a bespoke metallic pink Rolls-Royce Phantom presented to the couple's daughter, Isabella, on her first birthday. NewsBeneath understands Sanpal is currently in London.  

Early years

Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Sanpal left school after Class 8 before moving to Dubai, where he has said he began his career in the gold trade. He later founded ANAX Holding, whose businesses span luxury real estate, hospitality and capital markets.

Indian court records, however, show that Sanpal also faces several ongoing criminal proceedings.
Police allege he was linked to an illegal betting syndicate operating from Jabalpur that used online betting software, shell companies and hawala-style money transfers. Sanpal denies the allegations, has secured bail in most cases and has not been convicted of any offence.
A certified court order issued in April 2026 in Jabalpur records that co-accused alleged Sanpal and an associate, Dilip Khatri, provided the betting link. The case stems from a 2022 police raid on an alleged betting operation.

The court order states that investigators have been unable to secure Sanpal's arrest because he remains outside India. It says a non-bailable warrant and a Look-Out Circular issued in 2022 remain in force. The court declined to grant relief, observing that Sanpal's presence remained necessary for the investigation. A supplementary chargesheet is yet to be filed.

Police records also refer to allegations involving shell companies and alleged financial transactions of about US$35 million. Those allegations remain unproven in court, and Sanpal is not a party to every proceeding referred to in those records.
NewsBeneath contacted Satish Sanpal and ANAX Holding seeking comment on the UAE investigation, the Indian court proceedings and the allegations referred to in court records. No response was received by the time of publication.