The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case on a complaint from Ministry of Home Affairs against corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar and a non-Government organisation (NGO) Advantage India under violation of Foreign Contribution of Regulation Act (FCRA) 2010 for siphoning off funds received in the name of NGO. The CBI conducted searches on Friday at 11 places at the premises of accused and others which led to recovery of a large number of incriminating documents.
Besides Deepak Talwar and NGO Advantage India, the FIR also named Delhi based Accordis Health Care Private limited,, Sunil Khandewal of Accordis Health Care Pvt ltd, Raman Kapoor, MD of Accordis Health Care Pvt ltd and T Kapoor, Consultant vii) Other unknown persons. The case has been registered on the charges of criminal conspiracy, forgery, making false statement before Authority, use of forged document, attempt to cheat U/s 120-B, 199, 468, 471 & 511 r/w 417 of IPC and 33, 35, 37 of FCRA Act, 2010.
According to the agency, France-based Airbus SAS and UK-based MBDA International gave about Rs 100 crore to the NGO for initiatives related to healthcare and education but these funds were allegedly transferred to at least 30 shell companies, which were rotating the funds among themselves.
According to CBI, the complaint relates to the allegations of mis-utilization of foreign contribution which were received under the Corporate Social Responsibility Scheme for the purpose of carrying out educational and social activities in India. "The funds were allegedly received mainly from a foreign based company to the tune of Rs 90.72 crore (approx.) in the bank accounts of a New Delhi based private firm/ NGO registered under the foreign contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 for carrying out social welfare activities in the field of education," the CBI said.
The agency also said that Advantage India run by him and his family allegedly diverted Corporate Social Responsibility funds received from France-based Airbus SAS and UK-based MBDA International.
It is alleged that Talwar, known for his proximity to politicians, officials and journalists, has been receiving kickbacks from various aviation companies and used the NGO to diverting funds. Advantage India was probed by the Ministry for violating various FCRA norms for misusing foreign donations from two defence and aviation firms - MBDA and Airbus. The Ministry recommended registration of an FIR and probe into the irregularities carried out by Talwar and the NGO.
Also Income Tax Department had found various financial irregularities. He is also under the scanner for meeting former CBI Director Ranjit Sinha for around 63 times at his residence in 2014 in 15 months.
