SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Corporate Affairs | Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has introduced new safeguards to protect people and companies from fake investigation notices. The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), India’s central agency that probes major corporate frauds, will now issue all summons and notices through a digitally generated system that includes a QR code and a unique Document Identification Number (DIN). These features allow anyone receiving a notice to instantly verify its authenticity by scanning the QR code or entering the DIN on the SFIO website.
Only digitally generated notices will be used going forward, except in rare emergencies, and SFIO has set up a stricter internal review mechanism to oversee how notices are issued. This move comes in response to rising cases where fraudsters impersonate government officials to intimidate businesses, extract money, or gather confidential information. The new system aims to close these loopholes and strengthen public trust.
The shift to QR-coded, digitally verifiable notices modernises investigative processes, reduces misuse of official identity, and integrates secure, trackable documentation into the enforcement system. For regulators, it signals how digital tools can support transparent and accountable legal procedures.
What is SFIO? → The Serious Fraud Investigation Office is the Government’s specialised agency for investigating complex corporate frauds under the Companies Act. It issues statutory notices and summons during these investigations.
Why has SFIO introduced new safeguards?→ There has been a rising number of fake summons and forged notices where fraudsters impersonate SFIO officers to intimidate companies, demand money, or extract confidential documents. Paper-based formats were easy to copy or fake. The new QR-code and DIN system makes every notice instantly verifiable, helping businesses and citizens confirm authenticity and preventing misuse of SFIO’s name.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India ensure that businesses, auditors, and legal professionals routinely verify these digital notices and that the new system remains user-friendly as enforcement volumes grow?
Follow the full news here:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2192445