Procurement, finance dept most corrupt in India: French cos

The procurement department is the biggest source of fraud in French companies operating in India, followed by the finance section, leading to an increase in the overall cost of doing business in the country, according to an international survey. A survey among French companies operating in the country has also found that around 66 percent respondents believe that this market demonstrates an imbalanced economic development, and 62 percent of them say corruption has led to increase in the cost of goods and services. The survey, conducted by EY Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services and the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said 70 percent respondents cited purchasing department as having the highest risk function within a firm and being the most susceptible to bribes and kickbacks.

According to data from the French embassy, there are currently 1,051 French establishments linked to around 400 main companies present in India. In addition, there are 180 independent French businessmen with their offices here. "The finance department ranks the second with 14 percent of respondents stating this function is also vulnerable due to the access they are granted," Antoinette Gutierrez-Crespin, partner, Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services, EY France, told PTI here today.

It may be recalled that India ranks amongst the lowest, out of 184 countries, in a World Bank list on ease of doing business. Around 56 percent of those surveyed believed they faced losses in business due to unethical practices by competitors, while 62 percent said third-parties present the biggest risk of bribery and corruption, 24 percent held the management responsible for such risks. Similarly, 44 percent rated obtaining permissions as a source of corruption.

"France and India have very strong business ties and this is visible through significant investments being made in India. Operating in an environment outside one's own geography does come with a few challenges. However, there are positive ways to overcome these challenges if both parties work together," said Gutierrez-Crespin.

"Bribery and corruption concerns have risen to the forefront globally, and enhancement of regulations, enforcement and compliance are driving a changed mentality within the corporate world. India is charting a renewed course as well, and this resonance has been displayed through the findings of our report," she added.