RBI stops use of LoUs for trade credit for imports : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

RBI stops use of LoUs for trade credit for imports

MUMBAI:In a major decision, RBI on Tuesday banned banks from issuing Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) — instruments used allegedly by diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi to defraud state-owned PNB of Rs nearly 13,000 crore in connivance of bank officials.

RBI stops use of LoUs for trade credit for imports

LoUs were used by Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi to defraud state-owned PNB of Rs nearly 13,000 crore.



Mumbai, March 13 

In a major decision, RBI on Tuesday banned banks from issuing Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) — instruments used allegedly by diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi to defraud state-owned PNB of Rs nearly 13,000 crore in connivance of bank officials.

The RBI said the decision to discontinue the practice of LoUs and Letters of Comfort (LoCs) for trade finance comes into force with immediate effect.

"On a review of the extant guidelines, it has been decided to discontinue the practice of issuance of LoUs/LoCs for Trade Credits for imports into India by AD CategoryI banks with immediate effect," the central bank said in a notification.

Punjab National Bank reported fraudulent issuance of LoUs/Foreign Letters of Credit for payment of import bills and fraudulent transactions in accounts, amounting to Rs 12,967.86 crore, to the RBI through its fraud monitoring reporting system.

A multi-agency probe, including by CBI and ED, has been launched into the PNB fraud.

The RBI notification further said Letters of Credit and Bank Guarantees for trade credits for imports into India may continue to be issued subject to compliance with the provisions. - PTI

Top News

Relief for Delhi CM, High Court bins plea for his ouster

Relief for Delhi CM, High Court bins plea for his ouster

Special court extends Kejriwal’s ED custody till April 1