Indian billionaire buys Swiss villa worth $200 million, among world's 10 most expensive homes

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the number of affluent individuals with Indian roots and extravagant lifestyles. Pankaj Oswal, a prominent businessperson and the chairman of Oswal Group Global, emerged as a highly influential figure in the corporate realm. Together with his wife, Radhika Oswal, the couple has made a mark with their recent purchase of an opulent Swiss estate worth $200 million (equivalent to Rs 16 billion).

But, as they say, in the realm of glitz and glamour, shadows weave their tangled web, unveiling the dark underbelly where deceit and manipulation are fed. Before the Indian family moved to Switzerland, they had baggage that they carried via Australia.

Villa Vari

• The Spectacular mansion, Villa Vari, located in the picturesque Swiss village of Gingins, has gained global recognition as one of the world's top 10 most expensive houses.

• Named after their children, Vasundhara (24) and Ridi (18), the Oswals have spared no expense in transforming this property into a luxurious haven.
• Renowned interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes, known for his work on iconic hotels such as Oberoi Rajvilas (Jaipur), Oberoi Udaivilas (Udaipur) and the Leela Hotels, was roped in to design the interiors of the mansion.

• The renovated villa is Vastu-compliant, paying homage to the Oswals' Indian cultural roots. The villa exudes elegance, combining high ceilings, delicate filigree work, and a harmonious blend of muted tones.

• Once owned by Christina Onassis, a Greek businessperson and the heiress to the Onassis fortune, the rural retreat spans an impressive 40,000 square meters and offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Mt Blanc mountain range.

The Oswal lifestyle

• The family's love for the finer things in life is evident in their extravagant possessions.
• In addition to Villa Vari, their Swiss residence, they own a private jet (Gulfstream 450), a yacht (Fairline Squadron), and luxury sports cars like Bentley and Lamborghini.
• These acquisitions showcase their penchant for a lavish lifestyle.

From India to Switzerland

• The Oswals, Pankaj and Radhika, along with their daughters Vasundhara and Ridhi, have made Switzerland their home for the past decade.
• Their business empire, Oswal Group Global, encompasses various industries, including petrochemicals, real estate, mining, and fertilisers. Their investments span the globe, with notable ventures such as PRO Industries PTE LTD, housing East Africa's largest ethanol plant, and Axis Minerals, which is involved in one of West Africa's largest bauxite mining projects.
• The Oswals previously owned Burrup Fertilizers, the world's largest liquid ammonia production company based in Australia.

The problem Down Under

• The Oswal couple were accused of misappropriating over $150 million from Burrup Holdings to finance their lavish lifestyle. However, all legal disputes against the Oswals concluded in 2016.

Radhika Oswal says she believed her husband had the right to access substantial Burrup funds https://t.co/xYVtBZnSaF pic.twitter.com/c17zHhMXYq

— Business Review (@aus_business) July 18, 2016

• The Oswals, with the misappropriated funds, allegedly, began the construction of his $70 million dream home, which was called the Taj Mahal, on the banks of River Swan in Perth.
• The unfinished project was later up for grabs at an auction.
• There was another controversy at the construction site of the home when Radhika asked the workers not to consume non-vegetarian food, owing to her love for veganism.

Taj on the Swan set for auction in ailing Perth market #property #realestate #realestateau https://t.co/LztAvSaK4C pic.twitter.com/vCRJGGO7c8

— AU Property News (@aupropertynews) July 23, 2018

• The Oswals finally had to leave the island nation in a hurry to settle in Switzerland.