 "Delhi Metro 'scam': CBI gives info to UK fraud office")
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has responded to a query by the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) regarding two Indian individuals, in connection with an alleged bribery scandal in the Delhi Metro project.
The CBI could start an inquiry. An official said the agency was approached for "very specific information" about the antecedents.
The office alleged a French infrastructure company, Alstom Transport, had paid bribes to officials of £3 million (Rs 30 crore) through middlemen to secure contracts. The company had got the contract for signalling, train control and communication system for the first two lines. The company also allegedly employed a Hong Kong-based firm as consultant. It did not provide any such services. The SFO is probing if the company was used for routing the bribe money.
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, president, Alstom, said, "If there is an investigation, it should go on and Alstom will support any kind of investigation. The situation of the alleged corruption is always difficult but globally we have strong commitment to ethics and compliance."
In a press statement, Alstom said it would not comment on the ongoing investigations.
"We confirm Alstom continues to work constructively with the authorities to address any allegations of past misconduct," the company said.
A spokesperson from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said it had received no information on the matter and could not comment..
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The CBI could start an inquiry. An official said the agency was approached for "very specific information" about the antecedents.
The office alleged a French infrastructure company, Alstom Transport, had paid bribes to officials of £3 million (Rs 30 crore) through middlemen to secure contracts. The company had got the contract for signalling, train control and communication system for the first two lines. The company also allegedly employed a Hong Kong-based firm as consultant. It did not provide any such services. The SFO is probing if the company was used for routing the bribe money.
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"We will wait for some reference from the government. There is no investigation the CBI is starting suo moto," a CBI spokesperson said. The agency, however, has been asked by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which had received the letter from the SFO to provide the "clarifications" asked by the agency after due diligence.
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, president, Alstom, said, "If there is an investigation, it should go on and Alstom will support any kind of investigation. The situation of the alleged corruption is always difficult but globally we have strong commitment to ethics and compliance."
In a press statement, Alstom said it would not comment on the ongoing investigations.
"We confirm Alstom continues to work constructively with the authorities to address any allegations of past misconduct," the company said.
A spokesperson from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said it had received no information on the matter and could not comment..
ALSO READ: Alstom-led consortium bags contract worth 30 milllion euros
ALSO READ: Alstom bags Rs 255 crore Delhi Metro project