Indian Police Accuse Chinese Telcos of Funding Investigated News Portal

Indian police have formally accused Chinese smartphone makers Xiaomi Corp and Vivo Mobile of helping transfer funds illegally to a news portal under investigation on charges of spreading Chinese propaganda, according to documents seen on Friday.

Credits: REUTERS

The police complaint alleges that large amounts of funds were received from China to push biased news criticising Indian policies and projects and defending Chinese policies and programs.

The complaint further states that Chinese telecom companies like Xiaomi and Vivo incorporated thousands of shell companies in India in violation of foreign currency laws to illegally infuse foreign funds. Xiaomi India strongly denied the allegations, stating that they conduct their business operations with utmost respect and compliance with applicable laws.

Vivo has not yet responded to the accusations. NewsClick, the news portal under investigation, has called the allegations "untenable and bogus" and has full faith in the Indian judicial system.

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• Indian police have accused Xiaomi and Vivo of illegally transferring funds to a news portal under investigation for spreading Chinese propaganda.

• The police complaint alleges that large amounts of funds were received from China to push biased news criticising Indian policies and projects.

• Xiaomi India strongly denies the allegations and conducts its business operations in compliance with applicable laws.

Source: REUTERS