CBI files graft case in phone interception system purchase

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a corruption case in the procurement of phone interception systems worth Rs 41 crore from a German firm for investigation agencies of the country. The procurements were made by Electronic Corporation of India Limited (ECIL).

The agency has now registered a corruption case against five former senior officials of ECIL; the German firm and an ex-army middleman.

According to an FIR, the ECIL procured 12 interception and monitoring systems for GSM phones from a German company — ELD Industries — for Rs 41 crore between 2004 and 2010. The vigilance officer of ECIL found some irregularities in the deal and an inquiry was initiated.

"Vigilance inquiry inputs also led to the issue of genuineness of the existence of ELD Industries in Germany. Further, the said CVO, prima facie, suspected commission of criminal fraud, forgery, cheating etc," the FIR stated.

Based on the report, the CBI conducted a preliminary inquiry and finally, registered a case on Wednesday. The inquiry stated that forged documents were used to purchase GSM interception and monitoring system from an unqualified supplier instead of original equipment manufacturer.

The charges

The ECIL procured 12 interception and monitoring systems for GSM phones from  ELD Industries — for Rs 41 crore between 2004-10