IT department raids entities linked to Chinese mobile phone manufacturers across India

Official sources said the Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted nationwide searches against entities linked to Chinese mobile phone makers on charges of tax evasion. He said that raids were being conducted in other premises including the National Capital Region, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad. Sources said the search operation is being carried out to search the sellers and distribution partners of four to five major firms in the business of mobile handset manufacturing and sales. Handset maker Oppo, reacting to the development, said it would assist agencies.

A company spokesperson said, “As an invested partner in India, we have great respect and abiding by the law of the land. We will continue to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities as per process.” Another mobile phone maker, Xiaomi, said it is in compliance with Indian laws.

“As a responsible company, we attach paramount importance to ensuring that we comply with all Indian laws. As an invested partner in India, we work fully with the authorities,” a Xiaomi spokesperson said. We are cooperating with you to ensure that they have all the necessary information.”