The Trump Organization is ramping up its India expansion even as controversy surrounds some of its local partners. India has emerged as the company’s largest overseas market, with nine projects completed or under development and a second luxury tower planned in Gurugram. However, several Indian partners, including developers from M3M Group, now face serious criminal allegations of money laundering and bribery, according to court filings cited by The Wall Street Journal.

While the Trump Organization itself is not accused of any wrongdoing, the developments highlight the complex and often controversial landscape of India’s fast-growing real estate sector.

Led by Eric Trump, the company announced back in April plans for a new luxury tower in Gurugram, near New Delhi, marking its second major project in the city.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch our second project in Gurgaon,” Eric Trump said at the time.

“And even prouder to be doing it once again with our amazing partners.”

The Wall Street Journal now reports those partners, billionaire developers Basant and Roop Bansal and their son Pankaj Bansal of M3M, are accused by Indian authorities of helping another firm launder about US $46 million (A $70.5 million) and of bribing a judge in a related case, according to court filings.

If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison.

While none of the allegations are connected to Trump-branded projects, and the Trump Organization itself faces no accusations of wrongdoing, many of its Indian partners have been embroiled in legal or regulatory controversies.

According to WSJ, India’s real estate sector, known for its rapid growth and frequent scandals, has long struggled with corruption and lax oversight.

India has become the Trump Organization’s biggest international market since Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, with nine projects completed or under development.

Last year, the company earned US $12 million (A $18.4 million) in fees from its India ventures, representing a significant portion of the US $44.6 million (A $68.5 million) it made in global licensing and development revenue.

The 51-storey Trump Residences Gurgaon sold out within hours of launch, capitalising on renewed interest in the brand after the U.S. election.

The company’s return to aggressive overseas growth marks a shift from the self-imposed moratorium on new foreign deals during Trump’s first term.

While none of the allegations are connected to Trump-branded projects, and the Trump Organization itself faces no accusations of wrongdoing, many of its Indian partners have been embroiled in legal or regulatory controversies.