Sebi confirms ban on 26 entities in tax evasion case

Capital markets regulator Sebi has confirmed its interim order banning 26 entities in a case related to tax evasion and money laundering through misuse of stock exchange mechanism.

Capital markets regulator Sebi has confirmed its interim order banning 26 entities in a case related to tax evasion and money laundering through misuse of stock exchange mechanism.

The logo of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), country's market regulator, is seen on the facade of its head office building in Mumbai. (Reuters)

Detailed investigation of several others is on.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), via an interim order in May last year, had barred Pine Animation and 177 related entities, including the aforesaid 26, from the securities market for alleged tax evasion worth Rs 420 crore.

The order came after the watchdog spotted a huge jump in the traded volume and share price of Pine Animation on BSE during May 2013 to January 2015.

In its latest order, Sebi’s Whole-time Member Rajeev Kumar Agarwal said: “I do not find any reason to revoke or modify the directions of the ad interim ex-parte order dated May 8, 2015 in the matter of Pine Animation against the noticees.”

Accordingly, the regulator has confirmed the interim order passed against these 26 entities.

The regulator found that the 26 entities “have acted in connivance... that has led to the misuse of stock exchange mechanism to artificially increase price and volume of the scrip to provide illegitimate gains to the preferential allottees and promoter related entities”.