Investigation and affected organizations
Though media experiences recommended that as much as 185 workers had been impacted, this determine stays unconfirmed. The Telugu Affiliation of North America (TANA) has come beneath scrutiny in reference to the alleged misuse of company matching grants, together with these from Apple. In accordance with sources, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating TANA, alongside the Inside Income Service (IRS) and the Division of Justice (DOJ).
Court docket subpoena issued to TANA
The US District Court docket issued a subpoena to TANA on December 12, requiring the group to current grand jury testimony by December 26. Nevertheless, TANA reportedly obtained a one-month extension to conform. The subpoena calls for intensive documentation, together with donation information, monetary disbursements, and inner insurance policies on accounting and auditing from 2019 to 2024. It additionally seeks information of board conferences, subcommittee periods, and associated supplies.
Scope of the investigation
The courtroom order specifies that TANA should present particulars of all donations obtained, together with company matching funds, in addition to the rationale and banking particulars for disbursements. Whereas the precise particulars of the probe stay unclear, sources point out that it varieties a part of a broader investigation into the potential misappropriation of company social accountability (CSR) matching grants.
Responses from key people
Makes an attempt to achieve TANA’s president Niranjan Srungavarapu and normal secretary and government vp Naren Kodali for feedback had been unsuccessful, as that they had not responded to inquiries on the time of publication.
Broader implications
The investigation highlights the dangers related to company matching grant programmes and the necessity for stringent oversight to stop misuse. Apple has not but issued a public assertion relating to the matter.
