CAIT demands CBI probe & suspension of Amazon’s portal

Ref. No. 3281/1/50

20th September, 2021

Shri Piyush Goyal
Hon’ble Minister for Commerce
Government of India
New Delhi

Dear Shri Piyush Goyal Ji,

Sub: Amazon admission for bribing Government Officers

We take leave to invite your kind attention towards a news Story captioned “Amazon Whistleblower alleges India lawyers bribed officials-copy enclosed” of a credible news agency, which is most astonishing and surprising and the Story sensational fact that Amazon lawyers have bribed Government officials for their gains and at a time when CCl and ED are holding an investigation against Amazon & Flipkart.

wish to State that it is the more necessary to Order for investigation into this most sensational issue involving Government officers. Beside making a prayer to you, we are separately moving a representation to Mr. Gary Genseter, Chairman, US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), the custodial body of FCPA law of the US and we are also demanding a fair and independent probe from the Corporate Governance Committee Of the Board of Directors of Amazon in the USA.

It is also to be inquired whether the alleged bribery has any connection with the ongoing investigation against Amazon or related with continuous violation of the law and rules by Amazon.We are of the considered opinion that a CBI time bound investigation will reveal the truth and the name of the officials who have dared to damage vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and taken bribes should be made public and strictest and exemplary action must be taken against such Government officials so that no other officials Should dare to engage into any unlawful activity.

Since the matter is Very serious and sensational, it is also requested that pending CBI inquiry, Amazon should be directed to suspend their e-commerce portal and other incidental activities immediately. As the story relates to self admission of Amazon for bribing the Government officials, the above steps are very much required to protect India e-commerce market and the retail trade from undue influence, abuse of dominance and connivance With Government officials which falls under Anti-Corruption Act.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has always been categorical about removing rampant corruption at all levels Within the Government. But if the Story is true then it Will be a big setback to the initiative of Hon’ble PM that right under the nose of the Government, the officials are defending or giving leverage to Amazon for its Wrong deeds in consideration of bribes.

We are sure that it will receive your kind and immediate attention and you will be good enough to take immediate action.

Thank you, With regards
Truly yours

Praveen Khandelwal
National Secretary General
Confederation of All India Traders