FATF Report On Bribe For Padma Award: BJP Attacks Congress, Seeks Answers From Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

A former CEO of an Indian bank purchasing a "mediocre" painting from the close relative of a member of the ruling political party at that time for $264,000 in exchange for 'Padma Bhushan' for himself, has been included as a case study in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report.

The FATF is a Paris-based global money laundering and terror financing watchdog.

The case study bears a striking resemblance to the Enforcement Directorate’s case against former Yes Bank CMD Rana Kapoor, reports Indian Express.

"The below case study revealed that the suspect bought art of no actual value at a price of USD 264 000 from a close associate of a corrupt politician in order to pay kickbacks," the FATF said in its report titled  ‘Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing In The Arts And The Antiques Market’.

“Mr A was managing director and CEO of an Indian bank who misused his position during his tenure. He sanctioned loans of the rupee equivalent of USD 628 million to business entities incurring losses or with negative credit, deliberately violating existing norms and regulations," the report said.

"Investigation revealed that, in order to pay kickbacks for receiving awards, Mr. A purchased mediocre art from politicians and in turn paid huge kickbacks through banking channels, projecting them as genuine pieces of art. In one such incident, Mr. A purchased a piece of art from the close relative of a member of the ruling political party at that time for USD 264 000. However, the investigation revealed that this was an over-valuation, and that that the price paid was not for art, but rather was a bribe to influence the awarding of the prestigious Indian award ‘Padma Bhushan’ for himself," the FATF report said.

While the FATF did not mention any names in the report and called the accused as Mr A, BJP leader and Information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur cited it to say that it was a matter of “great shame” that the “story of Gandhi family’s corruption” is part of the FATF report.

“The FATF report refers to Rana Kapoor, former CEO of Yes Bank, buying a mediocre painting from Priyanka Gandhi for Rs 2 crore," Thakur was quoted as saying by Times of India.

He further said that the country needs to know how many Padma awards have been sold in this manner.

He further said, “Congress never missed any opportunity to defame India. Now there is a report which has come from the FATF where a case study shows how a model has been adopted by the party for corruption. Our question to Priyanka Gandhi is who forced Rana Kapoor to pay Rs 2 crore for purchase of a painting?".

"Was there a central minister involved, was his premises involved, who is Mr R who is being involved and whether it was painting for Padma Bhushan, or was it cash for Padma Bhushan and has this money been used overseas for some senior Congress leaders?” Thakur asked.

The development comes as former Yes Bank CEO and co-founder Rana Kapoor had told the Enforcement Directorate that he was "forced" to buy an M F Husain painting from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and the proceeds from the sale were used for the medical treatment of Sonia Gandhi in New York.

According to the chargesheet filed by ED in the court, Kapoor also stated that he was informed by former petroleum minister Murli Deora that not purchasing the painting would hinder his relationship with the Gandhi family and his chances of receiving the Padma Bhushan award.