The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at six locations connected to film producer C Alagappan in Chennai and Madurai, as part of an investigation into a cheating case involving actor-turned-politician Gautami Tadimalla.
Probe Initiated on Police Complaints
The ED took over the investigation last year to examine potential money laundering, based on seven first information reports registered by Tamil Nadu police. Gautami had also appeared before the ED during the probe.
Simultaneous searches were launched on Wednesday targeting Alagappan's office, residences, and other properties under the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA) to investigate the accused's foreign investments.
Fraud Allegations of ₹13.8 Crore
The original cases involve an alleged fraud of ₹13.8 crore. Gautami had complained that film producer C Alagappan, who was entrusted with managing her properties, along with his family members, fraudulently transferred her assets into their names.
Based on her complaints, cases were registered against Alagappan at various police stations, and he was arrested in 2023 after his anticipatory bail pleas were rejected.
Gautami's Political Journey
Gautami quit the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2023 and joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, where she was appointed as propaganda secretary. She recently distanced herself from the AIADMK and resigned from the party's primary membership.
Separate Ponzi Scheme Probe
In another operation related to a money-laundering probe into a Ponzi scheme, the ED said it seized incriminating evidence against the firm Unique Exports and others. Searches were conducted at eight business and residential premises in Chennai, Erode, Coimbatore, and Krishnagiri districts on Tuesday.
“Digital devices such as laptops, pen drives, and mobile phones were recovered and seized. Incriminating documents related to the Ponzi scheme and immovable property investments were also recovered and seized,” the ED stated.
Investors Duped with Fake Export Promises
Unique Exports and its associates allegedly defrauded hundreds of investors by promising returns of over 200% within a short period, under the pretext of investing in the export of agricultural produce like onion, potato, and other items.
