2G scam: CBI to get Mauritius reply on shell companies

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to receive a reply by the end of June to the letter rogatory (letter of request) it had sent to Mauritius in relation to some shell companies involved in a scam over 2G spectrum allocation.

CBI has provided the authorities in Mauritius with various account details requesting them for very specific information regarding Delphi’s share in Swan Telecom and Loop-Essar Group companies. CBI will report the findings of this investigation to the Supreme Court on July 6.

The Supreme Court of Mauritius has agreed to provide mutual assistance to CBI through an ‘evidence gathering order’ passed on May 27. The order will enable CBI to get information required from banks, fund managers and 10 private companies.

According to CBI officials, Mauritius’ Independent Commission Against Corruption is closely following the 2G spectrum case and drawing parallels with its own investigation into similar cases.

“We want to find out who is the owner of 9.9 per cent equity transferred from Reliance Telecom to Delphi besides the connection of various companies to Loop-Essar Group,” a senior CBI official said.