Hyderabad: Five defendants, excluding Congress MP K.V.P Rao were charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Federal Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
The charges carry these maximum penalties on each count: Racketeering conspiracy: 20 years in jail, $250,000 fine; money laundering conspiracy: 20 years and $500,000 fine, or a fine totalling twice the value of the funds involved; interstate travel in aid of racketeering: 5 years and a $250,000 fine; and conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI has charged that a total of $10.59 million was funnelled to him in 57 transfers. It alleged that apart from taking bribes, he warned other members of a possible probe by investigation agencies.
The FBI has alleged that Dmitry Firtash, aka “Dmytro Firtash” and “DF”, a Ukrainian national, allegedly met Indian government officials, including YSR, to discuss the titanium mining project and its progress and authorised payment of at least $18.5 million in bribes to both state and Central government officials in India to secure the approval of licences for the titanium project in North Andhra districts.
All six defendants, including Mr Rao and DF, were charged with one count each of racketeering conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy and two counts of interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
The AP Mineral Developement Corporation entered into a memorandum of understanding with Bothli Trade AG Switzerland with an investment of about Rs 4,000 crore, on March 18, 2006, to mine 82.37 sq. km for titanium. Later, the agreement was signed August 24, 2006.
Mr Rao, was the alleged mediator bet-ween Bothli and the YSR government for the project. He allegedly used American financial institutions to engage in the international transmission of millions of dollars (Rs 64 crore out of the Rs 112 crore deal) for the purpose of bribing Indian officials including himself to obtain the approval of the necessary licences for the project. Mr Rao allegedly used threats and intimidation to advance the interests of the enterprise’s illegal activities.
THE DEFENDANTS
Dmitry Firtash 48, is a Ukrainian tycoon with varied business interests. He was arrested in Vienna, Austria, and released on March 21 after posting Euro 125 million bail. He pledged to remain in Austria till the end of extradition proceedings.
Five defendants who are at large, are: Andras Knopp, 75, a Hungarian businessman; Suren Gevorgyan, 40, of Ukraine; Gajendra Lal, 50, an Indian national and permanent resident of the US; P. Periyasamy Sunder-alingam, 60, of Sri Lanka; and Mr Rao, 65.
