Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Corporate Affairs

25-August-2011 17:32 IST

SFIO

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs Shri R.P.N. Singh today informed the Lok Sabha that keeping in view the recommendations made by Vepa Kamesam committee, it is proposed to give statutory recognition to SFIO. Besides, powers such as treating its investigation report as a report filed by a Police Officer, giving SFIO power to issue letter of requests (letter Rogatory) in cases involving companies having business/interests outside the country and definition of the term ‘fraud’ alongwith its punishment are also proposed to be included, subject to due approvals, in the revised Companies Bill for strengthening its enforcement framework. The Ministry has been organizing Investor awareness workshops and seminars in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) and Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and trade chambers throughout the country to bring awareness amongst the general public for assisting in taking appropriate investment decisions. It has also been taking up print media campaigns and issue of advertisements in leading national and regional vernacular newspapers in form of advisory to the potential investors to be careful before making any deposit/investment in collective schemes of any entity either through online or offline.

The Minister was replying to a written question whether the Government proposes to give more powers to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and crate public awareness about companies with get rich quick schemes and the steps taken by the Government to bring an awareness among general public about online or offline fraudulent methods adopted by unregistered companies which defraud innocent by making tall claims?

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ST/-

Statutory recognition of SFIO proposed, expanding investigative powers and enabling cross border letters rogatory and fraud definition. Proposed statutory recognition of the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) would implement Vepa Kamesam committee recommendations by granting SFIO specified investigative powers, notably treating its reports as equivalent to police officer reports and authorising issuance of letters rogatory in cases involving companies with foreign business interests; the proposal also seeks a statutory definition of fraud with associated punishment to strengthen enforcement.