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White Collar & Investigations
Internal investigations, anti-bribery compliance, and enforcement defence for multinationals in India
India's enforcement landscape has intensified significantly over the past decade. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) have each expanded their reach, and foreign companies operating in India face real exposure from FCPA and UK Bribery Act investigations that intersect with Indian law. RevLaw advises multinationals on internal investigations with an India dimension, anti-bribery and anti-corruption (ABAC) compliance program design, and defence in proceedings before Indian enforcement agencies. We act as Indian counsel for overseas firms advising their clients on cross-border investigations.
What We Do
Internal Investigations (India Dimension)
Conducting or supporting internal investigations involving Indian operations — document review, witness interviews, forensic accounting coordination, and Indian law analysis. We advise on privilege, data privacy constraints under India's DPDPA 2023, and reporting obligations to the Indian board.
FCPA & UK Bribery Act: Indian Law Nexus
Advising on the Indian law dimension of FCPA and UK Bribery Act investigations: characterising payments under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 (POCA), assessing exposure of Indian subsidiaries and employees, and coordinating with US or UK counsel on India-specific document collection.
Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA) Compliance
Advising companies on obligations under India's POCA 1988, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, and the Lokpal framework. Designing ABAC compliance programs tailored to the Indian market, including third-party due diligence protocols and anti-bribery training.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) Proceedings
Representing companies and individuals in PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) summons, search and seizure operations, and ED adjudication proceedings. Advising on voluntary disclosure and compounding strategies to mitigate enforcement risk.
SFIO & Corporate Fraud Investigations
Defending companies and directors in Serious Fraud Investigation Office investigations — responding to SFIO notices, managing MCA inspection proceedings, and advising on directors' liability under the Companies Act 2013.
Crisis Response & Regulatory Communications
First-response advisory when a regulatory raid, media leak, or whistleblower complaint surfaces. Managing communications strategy, preserving privilege, and coordinating with the board, external auditors, and overseas counsel.
Key Legal Frameworks
Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 (amended 2018)
India's primary anti-bribery statute — covers public servants and, since 2018, commercial organisations that give bribes.
PMLA 2002
Prevention of Money Laundering Act — ED enforcement tool; predicate offences include POCA and Companies Act violations.
Companies Act 2013 (SFIO provisions)
SFIO investigation powers for serious fraud; directors can face personal liability and disqualification.
US FCPA / UK Bribery Act
Extraterritorial application to Indian operations of US/UK companies; RevLaw advises on India-specific elements.
Why RevLaw for White Collar & Investigations
- Hands-on experience in PMLA, ED, and SFIO proceedings — not just transactional advisory
- Ability to receive instructions from US/UK investigations counsel and manage the Indian workstream independently
- Strong understanding of FCPA/UK Bribery Act framework and its intersection with Indian POCA
- Discreet, senior-led teams for sensitive internal investigations
- Clear privilege protocols aligned with both Indian and common law evidentiary standards
Discuss a White Collar or Investigation Matter
Initial calls are without obligation. We respond within 48 hours.