Walmart probes alleged kickbacks at Flipkart exceeding ₹150 crore: Report

Walmart has launched an investigation into alleged financial misconduct at Flipkart after whistleblower complaints that employees accepted kickbacks worth more than ₹150 crore, Moneycontrol reported on Friday, citing four people familiar with the matter.

The alleged wrongdoing involved employees in Flipkart’s smartphones and luggage and travel accessories divisions, who were accused of accepting payments from vendors in exchange for preferential treatment on the platform, the report said.

The investigation is ongoing, and the extent of the alleged misconduct and the amount involved have yet to be established, Moneycontrol quoted one of the sources as saying.

Some employees allegedly exploited Flipkart's business-to-business operations to collect payments from vendors moving mobile phones between businesses, according to the report.

The employees, in return, allegedly provided preferential treatment to certain sellers, including greater visibility on the platform, helping them increase sales, the report said.

The allegations mark the third investigation by Walmart into suspected financial misconduct at Flipkart in less than three years.

Walmart investigated alleged financial irregularities in Flipkart's luggage and travel accessories division about two-and-a-half years ago, resulting in the termination of at least three employees.

A separate investigation into alleged wrongdoing in the smartphones division took place about six months ago.

One employee found responsible for the alleged misconduct resigned before the company could dismiss them, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Multiple senior-level exits

The investigations come as Flipkart faces a series of senior-level departures and uncertainty over the timing of its long-anticipated initial public offering.

At least 14 vice presidents and senior vice presidents have left the company over the past year, Moneycontrol reported.

Kanchan Mishra, vice president of smartphones; Amit Sachan, vice president of product and technology; and Kamal Chopra, vice president of corporate tax, are also reportedly set to leave Flipkart.

Flipkart employees have been looking to a public listing as a potential opportunity to cash out their employee stock options.

The absence of a firm IPO timeline has left employees uncertain about when they might be able to realise the value of their holdings.

Rival Indian e-commerce and technology companies have already tapped public markets.

Meesho listed in 2025, while food delivery company Swiggy went public in 2024.

Flipkart and Walmart have previously said an IPO remains part of the company's strategic plans and that they would proceed when market conditions and timing were appropriate, without specifying a date.