Foreign exchange regulation violation: ED imposes a ₹3.44 crore fine on BBC India

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has imposed a fine of ₹3.44 crore on BBC India, the Indian division of the British international media organization BBC. The fine was issued for violating India's foreign exchange regulations. ED stated that BBC India and its directors were penalized for breaching the rule that limits foreign funding for digital media entities to 26%.

According to ED, the fine has been calculated at ₹5,000 per day from October 15, 2021. The exact penalty amount stands at ₹3,44,48,850, as confirmed by an unnamed ED official. Directors Giles Anthony Hunt, Indu Shekhar Sinha, and Paul Michael Gibbons have also been fined, with each being required to pay ₹1,14,82,950. They were penalized as individuals responsible for the company during the period of violation.

In February 2023, the Income Tax Department had conducted a raid at BBC India's offices.