Amway India CEO released on bail

He was arrested two months ago in connection with criminal cases registered against Amway in Andhra

Amway India managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) William S Pinckney has been released on bail, the company said on Monday. Pinckney has been granted bail almost two months after his arrest by Andhra Pradesh police in connection with criminal cases registered against Amway India in the state.

"The release of Amway India CEO Bill Pinckney is a great relief. We are thankful that after these many weeks that he is finally able to be with his family, yet profoundly dismayed that this unnecessary detention occurred at all, and are even more troubled that it lasted so long," Amway chairman Steve Van Andel and president Doug DeVos said in a joint statement.

Amway regional president, Europe, South Africa & India Samir Behl said: "His arrest and long detention was unnecessary and unreasonable. We will vigorously defend ourselves at trial."

Pinckney was arrested in May and was produced before a court in district Kurnool, which sent him to judicial custody after rejecting his bail plea. He was subsequently arrested in other criminal cases registered against him in the state on allegations of financial irregularities by Amway, a charge contested by the company.

"Our focus is squarely on efforts to ensure that nothing like this happens again. Our commitment to Amway Business Owners who sell our products in India is unwavering," Andel and DeVos said.

"We are committed to India - to its citizens, and to our hundreds of thousands of Amway Business Owners and nearly 500 employees," Andel and DeVos said in the statement. Direct sellers in India have been asking for a separate legislation as there is conflict with the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act (PCMC).

"Our resolve to work with the newly elected Union Government in New Delhi on clear direct selling legislation is stronger than ever... Amway can partner to find legislative solutions in India that clearly distinguish legitimate direct selling businesses from frauds, protecting Indian citizens from unethical operators," said Andel and DeVos.

Earlier in 2013, Pinckney was arrested by Kerala Police on charges of alleged financial irregularities under PCMC Act.

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