During the last three years (and this year up to 30-06-2014) the Ministry has ordered investigation into the affairs of 152 companies allegedly indulging in fraudulent/illegal activities. Of these, 64 investigations have been completed and reports submitted to the Ministry while in 2 cases, investigations have been stayed by the Courts. In respect of completed investigations, Ministry has ordered filing of prosecutions against companies/ directors/ officers in default on account of various non-compliances/ offences committed under the Companies Act, 1956 and other Statutes, as recommended in the investigation reports. Steps taken by the Ministry include:

(i) Setting up a Market Research and Analysis Unit (MRAU) in the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) with the objectives of analyzing media reports relating to financial frauds and for conducting market surveillance of such corporates.

(ii) A forensic lab with appropriate technology and skilled technical manpower has also been set up in the SFIO as part of MRAU.

(iii) An ‘Early Warning System’ is being developed that would generate alerts for analysis and early detection of potential frauds. A pilot testing was carried out during the year 2013-14.

This was stated by the Minister of Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

Corporate fraud investigations prompting prosecutions and enhanced forensic and market surveillance measures to detect malfeasance early. Investigations into alleged corporate frauds have produced reports recommending prosecutions for companies, directors and defaulting officers under company and other statutes. The Ministry has expanded investigatory capacity within the Serious Fraud Investigation Office by creating a Market Research and Analysis Unit, establishing a forensic laboratory with skilled technical personnel, and developing an Early Warning System to generate alerts for early detection of potential frauds.