The CBI has detained an Indian-descendent US citizen on an extradition request. The issue is currently being deliberated with the DRDO. Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The CBI arrested DRDO in 2009 for a deal worth over $1 million involving the supply of VCOs. The extradition of a US citizen is being sought for irregularities.
Details of the California company linked to CEO Surya Sarin (79) are requested by the CBI. He holds citizenship in the United States. Sarin’s company received an order from DRDO’s Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) for a VCO-based RF generator supply voltage. However, a major scandal was uncovered.
As per the Indian Express report, the court had issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against them, but they could not be executed. The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged in 2020 and the chargesheet was submitted in 2023. As per the CBI, Sareen has filed a request for the closure of the case in the Karnataka High Court. Akon Inc., a company that has been providing products to the aviation, shipping, and space sector for four decades, is known for its long-standing presence in the industry.
The CBI has lodged a chargesheet against Surya Sareen, his company Akon Inc., former director of DRDO’s Defense Avionics Research Establishment U.K. Revankar, and senior scientist Priya Suresh. In 2020, the CBI initiated a preliminary inquiry after receiving a letter from the Director of Vigilance at the Ministry of Defense. As per the complaint, a DARE staff member had reported discrepancies in the procurement of VCO-based RF generators in 2012.
Aecon Inc. was chosen to provide the generators in 2007 following a global tender, as stated in the initial CBI inquiry. These voltage-controlled oscillators were used in the laboratory for testing different radar electronic warfare systems. The inquiry showed that Aecon Inc. provided 35 unfinished VCO generators in three shipments in February 2009 and was paid 90% for it in March 2009.
CBI claims that DARE officials were aware they accepted incomplete units and falsely reported that “the units were working satisfactorily.” This made the process of making the last payment to the US company easier. CBI claims that Aecon Inc. was sent 23 incomplete VCO units, but officials submitted a fake report to authorize the payment.
The CBI’s 2020 FIR also noted that upon being returned, all units were found to be non-functional and did not meet DARE’s purchase order specifications. The CBI accused top DARE officials of colluding with Akon Inc to cheat the Indian Government. The CBI has submitted a formal report in the case involving sections of the Indian Penal Code, criminal conspiracy, cheating, and the Prevention of Corruption Act.