Britain ignored warnings of Indian whistleblower at heart of drugs scandal

A few weeks after it was first contacted, the US regulator began an investigation based on the information given by Mr Thakur, who later became an official whistleblower.

The FDAs investigations led to seven charges against Ranbaxy of selling improperly prepared drugs, failing to report that its drugs did not meet specifications and providing false information.

Ranbaxy last month agreed to pay $500million (330 million) in fines and penalties, the largest financial settlement against a generic drug-producing company in the US. Mr Thakurs evidence was deemed so valuable by the US authorities that he was paid 37million under whistleblowing laws.

In light of Ranbaxys admission of guilt in the US, the MHRA said it was now considering further investigation of the past conduct of the company, which is Indias largest drugs manufacturer with sales last year of 1.5billion in Britain, Europe and the US.

According to Mr Thakurs emails, officials at the British regulator did not respond proactively to his approaches. In November 2005, he wrote: The reason I am writing to you is to alert you that Ranbaxy is defrauding the UK government and the British public and hoping that [you] would be able to do something to stop this crime.

He also urged the MHRA to contact the FDAs chief investigator, who he said would be able to verify his claims.

In reply, he was thanked for bringing this matter to our attention.

A day later, he warned of widespread and pervasive wrongdoing at Ranbaxy and said he could put the MHRA in touch with a former executive at the company who could provide more evidence.

He hoped the MHRA would take action against the company which has committed so many crimes to make a quick buck. He wrote: Given the past experience with this company, I am afraid that they are quite adept at the art of covering up their fraudulent practices and your inspections may or may not provide you with the conclusive evidence you seek.

In the first half of 2006, Mr Thakur received a reply from an MHRA official that they were evaluating data supplied to us from other regulators regarding recent inspections I can assure you that appropriate action will be taken where necessary.

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Britain ignored warnings of Indian whistleblower at heart of drugs scandal