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Isle of Man denies financial crime case failings

The Isle of Man has hit back against claims by a news agency that it failed to respond to requests for information from Indian authorities in relation to a bribery and corruption investigation.

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The Print, an Indian news agency, published the allegations last year. The case, involved former telecoms minister A Raja and 18 other politicians and businessman who were acquitted of criminal conspiracy in relation to 2G mobile phone licences.

The judge who heard the case said the prosecution had provided no evidence indicating any criminality.

According to The Print, officials responded to the decision, saying the investigation hit a dead end as no responses had been received from eight of 10 countries who had been sent requests for information, including Isle of Man.

Request ‘executed’

The IoM Cabinet Office released a statement on 8 January disputing the claims, saying it has fully cooperated with the Indian authorities’ requests.

“The Isle of Man Government has confirmed that it did respond to requests from the Indian authorities regarding an investigation and prosecution in that country concerning bribery and corruption,” the statement said.

“The requests received from the Indian authorities were executed in full and all documentary evidence sought was provided via the Attorney General’s Chambers in September and November 2011.

“Further information was provided in April 2012 in response to a supplementary letter of request sent by India,” they said.

The Cabinet Office said the island is fully committed to assisting other countries in their efforts to tackle financial crime, and such requests for assistance always receive a response.

They said a recent evaluation by the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism body Moneyval, found that the island meets well-established standards when it comes to international assistance.

“The Attorney General’s chambers has now written to the Indian authorities regarding the information attributed to them and reminding them of the assistance that has been provided by the Isle of Man,” it said.

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