The Enforcement Directorate today conducted searches at the premises of Byju Raveendran, CEO of Bengaluru-based ed-tech firm BYJU's, for allegedly violating foreign funding laws. Two business and one residential premises in Bengaluru were searched by the probe agency in connection with a case against Mr Raveendran and his company 'Think & Learn Private Limited' under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
ED said several incriminating documents and data were seized during the search.
BYJU's responded minutes after the probe agency's revelation, claiming the searches were related to a "routine inquiry" under FEMA.
"We have been completely transparent with the authorities and have provided them with all the information they have requested. We have nothing but the utmost confidence in the integrity of our operations, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of compliance and ethics," the company told NDTV, adding that "it is business as usual at BYJU's".
"FEMA searches also revealed that the company has received foreign direct investment to the tune of Rs 28,000 crore (approx) during the period from 2011 to 2023," a media release from the probe agency said.
The company has also sent around Rs 9,754 crore to various foreign entities in the name of overseas direct investment during the same period, it added.
It said the action was taken on the basis of "various complaints" received by private people, and alleged that Raveendran Bjyu was issued "several" summons, but he remained "evasive and never appeared" before the ED.
"The company has not prepared its financial statements since the financial year 2020-21 and has not got the accounts audited, which is mandatory," ED said.
The company has booked around Rs 944 crore in the name of "Advertisement and Marketing expenses", including the amount remitted to foreign jurisdictions, the probe agency said.
"Hence, the genuineness of the figures provided by the company are being cross-examined from the banks," it added.
"Byju's Worth Zero," Says Founder Of India's Once Biggest Startup "Ready To Pay Back Lenders Before Taking A Single Rupee Out": Byju's Founder Verified Debt Claim On Byju's Is Only Rs 20 Crore, Says Founder Internet Snapped, Schools Shut As Violence Over Mosque Survey Kills 4 In UP 3 Dead, Over 30 Cops Injured: Violence In UP's Sambhal Over Mosque Survey Winter Session Of Parliament Begins Today, 10-Plus Bills Scheduled: 10 Facts JEE Main 2025 January Session Application Correction Window To Open Tomorrow Chuck Woolery, Original 'Wheel Of Fortune' Host, Dies At 83 Noida Woman Gets Fake Probe Agency Notices On WhatsApp, Duped Of Rs 34 Lakh Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.