Sant Chatwal pleads guilty to violating US electoral laws

There is no allegation that the candidates participated in, or were aware of, Chatwal's scheme, federal prosecutors said.

As part of his plea agreement with the government, he agreed to forfeit one million dollars to the US.

“Chatwal went to great lengths to undermine both election laws and our system of justice. Today's guilty plea shows our vigilance and determination to prosecute those who damage the integrity of elections by masking the true sources of campaign contributions,” O'Neil said.

“Chatwal's scheme sought to subvert the very purpose of the Election Act. Chatwal then rolled the dice to stymie the government's investigation, thinking he could corruptly convince witnesses to his federal election crimes to stay silent. That gamble did not pay off,” said US Attorney Loretta Lynch.

According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, Chatwal operated several businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and a hotel management company.

From 2007 to 2011, Chatwal used his employees, business associates, and contractors who performed work on his hotels (the “Chatwal Associates”) to solicit campaign contributions on Chatwal's behalf in support of various candidates for federal office and PACs, collect these contributions, and pay reimbursements for these contributions.

Chatwal was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2010 for his role in the historic India-US civilian nuclear deal. He heads the chain of the upscale Hampshire Hotels.