What Are the Latest Developments in the ED's Investigation into B.C. Jindal Group?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The ED's crackdown involves extensive searches at multiple locations.
- Investigation centers around Rs 505.14 crore in suspicious transactions.
- Allegations include overseas fund transfers and inflated valuations.
- Shyam Sunder Jindal's absence raises questions about the investigation's progress.
- Further scrutiny of international entities linked to the Jindal Group is ongoing.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) In a significant move against corporate misconduct, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out comprehensive search operations at 13 locations in Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, focusing on the corporate entities associated with B.C. Jindal and Shyam Sunder Jindal.
The searches, conducted on September 18 and 19, were part of an official investigation into potential breaches of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
The ED disclosed that the inquiry revolves around claims of dubious overseas investments, the round-tripping of funds, and the placement of capital in foreign entities that are beneficially owned by the group.
This investigation was initiated following credible intelligence indicating that the group had transferred a significant sum of Rs 505.14 crore out of India to their overseas firm, Topaz Enterprise DMCC, located in Dubai.
This transaction was allegedly masked as an Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) intended for acquiring shares in another foreign subsidiary, Garnet Enterprise DMCC.
The ED has identified a series of intricate financial strategies during its investigation.
Between 2013 and 2017, Jindal Poly Films Ltd (JPFL), a publicly listed entity, invested Rs 703.79 crore into Jindal India Powertech Ltd (JIPL), according to the agency.
However, instead of recuperating this investment, JPFL wrote it off and sold it at a considerable loss to its own promoters and associated firms. Subsequently, JIPL received Rs 853.72 crore from another group company, Jindal India Thermal Power Ltd (JITPL).
From this sum, Rs 505.14 crore was allegedly funneled to Shyam Sunder Jindal's personal entity in Dubai.
The press release elaborated that this overseas transaction was predicated on a “sham valuation” of the shares of the foreign entity.
It was revealed that two connected valuers were enlisted to create reports that inflated the valuation, facilitating the larger remittance.
During the searches, the ED seized documents linked to these overseas entities, confirming that Shyam Sunder Jindal is the beneficial owner of Topaz Enterprise DMCC and has control over its finances.
The ED noted that Shyam Sunder Jindal was not present in India during the searches, having traveled to Hong Kong.
He has not returned to the country or participated in the investigation.
The ED stated that further inquiries are ongoing to scrutinize funds deposited in various overseas entities held by the group across nations such as the USA, Belgium, Italy, and Luxembourg.