(G.N.S) dt. 12
New Delhi
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹8.7 crore of alleged corruption involving London-based Rolls Royce under the anti-money laundering case. A provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was issued against Mumbai-based Turbotech Energy Services International Private Ltd (Turbotech) and Ashok Patni.
It is alleged that Rolls Royce paid around ₹80 crore as commission to an agent to bag contracts from public sector undertakings such as HAL, ONGC and GAIL. Reportedly Rolls Royce admitted that it had made commission payments to Ashok Patni and his associated entities in violation of the integrity pact in respect of various purchase orders placed before ONGC, HAL and GAIL. Rolls Royce entered into agreements with the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) for the supply of spare parts and services.
“It also confirmed the payment of the settlement amount of about ₹80 crore to ONGC, HAL and GAIL against the value of commission or fees paid to Ashok Patni, which are proceeds of crime in this case,” the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said. However, the probe to ascertain whether Rolls Royce has made commission payments in other purchase orders or contracts in violation of the terms of the contracts is under progress.
The money-laundering case stems from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR of 2019 and the alleged incident pertains to the years between 2000 and 2013.
