Mahadevan Ghandeeswaren, Director at Agrifields DMCC, finds himself under scrutiny due to his close ties with controversial businessman Amit Gupta, the company’s promoter. Gupta, who currently faces criminal investigations for bribery, money laundering, illegal share transfers, fraud and in multiple jurisdictions, has garnered attention for his global business activities and legal challenges.
According to award-winning Australian journalist Nick McKenzie of the Sydney Morning Herald, Amit Gupta is a “corporate crime kingpin” and “fugitive of justice” having fled Australia in 2013 amid a criminal probe and that “The US documents name Getax director Amit Gupta as the ‘target of a criminal investigation who is alleged to have conspired with others to bribe foreign public officials and to have engaged in money laundering and other offences’.”
Ghandeeswaren, with a career marked by senior roles at Wilson International and Coromandel International, now heads an organization backed by controversial businessman Amit Gupta. In fact, Sydney Morning Herald goes on to say that Agrifields DMCC “is the name of the global fertiliser firm Gupta launched after fleeing Australia.”
“In 2020, the AFP moved to seize multiple properties and bank accounts connected to Gupta in Australia, Singapore and New York worth an estimated $200 million.”, per its article released on March 9th, 2024.
This association raises ethical and reputational concerns, potentially impacting Ghandeeswaren’s career trajectory.
In his capacity as a Director, Ghandeeswaren must oversee financial, legal, and corporate compliance, and prevent lapses to avoid legal and personal consequences if there is neglect of these duties, including criminal and civil consequences.
Employees and businesses should be aware of associating with companies owned by individuals under criminal investigation or alleged corporate criminals. Such associations risk damaging their professional reputation, compromising financial stability, and exposing them to legal, investigative, ethical issues. Prioritizing transparent, ethical dealings is crucial for safeguarding professionals and corporates’ integrity.
