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Enforcement Directorate Issues Show-Cause Notices to Xiaomi and Banks for Rs 5,551 Crore Foreign Exchange Violation

Enforcement Directorate Slaps Show-Cause Notices on Xiaomi and Banks in Rs 5,551 Crore Forex Violation Case

9 June 2023

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Kunal Tyagi

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  • The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued show-cause notices to Xiaomi, its executives, and three foreign banks, alleging a violation of foreign exchange regulations amounting to over Rs 5,551 crore.

  • Xiaomi's Indian subsidiary had funds amounting to Rs 5,551.27 crore seized by the ED, as it was deemed to be an unauthorized transfer disguised as royalty payments abroad.

  • The outcome of the investigation will determine the penalties faced by Xiaomi, the implicated individuals, and the banks involved, highlighting the significance of compliance with FEMA regulations in India.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recently taken action against Chinese mobile manufacturer Xiaomi and several key executives, as well as three foreign banks, alleging a violation of foreign exchange regulations amounting to over Rs 5,551 crore. Show-cause notices have been issued by the ED, asserting that Xiaomi made unauthorized remittances in the form of royalty payments abroad. Consequently, funds held in Xiaomi's Indian accounts have been seized. The adjudicating authority under the Foreign Exchange Management Act has confirmed the seizure, declaring the transfer to be a contravention of FEMA regulations. This investigation carries significant implications and warrants further exploration.


Xiaomi Technology India Private Limited, along with its CFO and director Sameer Rao, former MD Manu Jain, and three foreign banks (CITI Bank, HSBC Bank, and Deutsche Bank AG), have received show-cause notices from the ED. These notices are connected to alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, specifically Sections 10(4) and 10(5), which relate to unauthorized foreign remittances disguised as royalty payments without proper due diligence and technical collaboration agreements.


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The ED seized Rs 5,551.27 crore from Xiaomi's Indian subsidiary last year, which was linked to illegal outward remittances. The recent confirmation by the competent authority validates the ED's position, asserting that the funds were transferred out of India in an unauthorized manner and held outside the country on behalf of the group entity. This seizure is considered a contravention of Section 4 of FEMA, 1999, falling under the purview of Section 37A, which enables lawful confiscation.


The issuance of show-cause notices and subsequent investigation by the ED represents a significant milestone in the case against Xiaomi. Once the ED completes its investigation and reaches a resolution, the accused parties will face penalties in accordance with FEMA regulations. Show-cause notices are issued after the ED concludes its inquiry, granting the accused an opportunity to respond before penalties are determined. The outcome of this investigation will provide insights into the potential consequences that Xiaomi, the implicated individuals, and the banks may encounter.


The Foreign Exchange Management Act plays a crucial role in governing foreign exchange transactions in India. Compliance with FEMA regulations is vital for entities engaged in international transactions to ensure transparency and adherence to the country's foreign exchange policies. This case underscores the importance of conducting due diligence and obtaining necessary approvals and agreements prior to executing any foreign remittances, thus highlighting the significance of regulatory compliance for companies operating in India.


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