Chinese telecom major ZTE, which is already under the radar of intelligence agencies in India, has entered into further problem as the central bureau of investigations (CBI) is scrutinizing all the visas issued to the Chinese nationals working in the company in last few years. The Investigative agency has started verifying whether they were issued fraudulently by providing forged documents of government functionaries or Indian corporate.

On August 8, the CBI registered a case against unnamed officials of ZTE and the notorious arms dealer Abhishek Verma for alleged forging of letter head of Ajay Maken, minister of state for youth affairs and sports. Maken complained to the CBI that Verma forged his signatures to write letter to the prime minister asking for grant of visas to the employees of ZTE. He was the minister of state for Home when the incident happened.

ZTE had denied such allegations. “We strongly deny any such allegations. ZTE is professional and ethical company running its operation worldwide and has always complied with the laws of the land of the respective country,” ZTE had said in an official statement.

The investigative agency, however, wants to extend the probe and look beyond Maken’s complaint.

Indian intelligence agencies have always suspected ZTE. They believe that the company is indulged in spying activities.