Investigation and affected organizations
Media reports suggest up to 185 employees were affected, but this number is unconfirmed. The Telugu Language Association of North America (TANA) has come under intense scrutiny in connection with allegations of misuse of corporate matching subsidies, including one from Apple. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating TANA along with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), the people said.
Court summons issued to TANA
A U.S. District Court issued a subpoena to TANA on December 12th, requiring the organization to submit grand jury testimony by December 26th. However, TANA reportedly received a one-month extension to comply. The subpoena seeks extensive documentation from 2019 to 2024, including donation records, financial expenditures, and internal accounting and auditing policies. Also requested are records of board meetings, subcommittee sessions, and related materials.
Scope of investigation
The court order stipulates that TANA must provide details of all donations received, including corporate matching funds, as well as the basis for disbursements and bank account details. The exact details of the probe are unclear, but officials said it was part of a broader probe into possible misappropriation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) grants.
Answers from key people
Attempts to reach TANA president Niranjan Surungavarapu and general secretary and executive vice president Naren Kodari for comment were unsuccessful as they had not responded to inquiries at the time of publication.
wider impact
This study highlights the risks associated with corporate matching grant programs and the need for strict oversight to prevent abuse. Apple has not yet released an official statement on this matter.
