It said it debarred Satyam Computer Services, India's fourth-largest software company, for eight years in September 2008, and Wipro Technologies, India's No. 3 software company, for four years in June 2007 both for "improper benefits to bank staff."

In addition, it said it had also barred India's Megasoft Consultants for four years in December 2007 for "participating in a joint venture with Bank staff while conducting business with the Bank."

All three companies were involved in different contracts and their debarments are not related.The World Bank has long been under pressure to step up its fight again fraud and corruption within the institution and in projects it finances in developing countries.

Satyam's chairman and founder Ramalinga Raju resigned last week after revealing years of accounting fraud in India's biggest corporate fraud. Raju admitted last week that about $1 billion, or 94 percent of the cash on the company's books was fictitious.