Kochi: Anto Augustine has been named as the prime accused in a football sponsorship fraud case, according to the police FIR. The FIR registered at Kalamassery Police Station states that the accused deceived and cheated the government by claiming that the Argentina football team would be brought to Kerala.

The government had formed a special investigation team (SIT) to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the Messi controversy. Based on the findings, P Vikraman, a member of the SIT, submitted a complaint to the Assistant Commissioner of Thrikkakara. Anto has been named the first accused and Reporter Broadcasting Private Limited the second accused in the FIR.

According to the FIR, Anto and the other accused conspired before December 20, 2024, to cheat the government. It alleges that they inserted false and illegal clauses into an agreement purportedly made with the Argentina Football Association, thereby deceiving the government and others and making unlawful gains.

As part of the investigation into the alleged fraud carried out in Messi’s name, the SIT conducted searches at Anto’s house and the Kalamassery office of Reporter TV. Raids were carried out at five locations from the early hours of today under the leadership of ADGP P. Vijayan. The searches were aimed at examining and seizing files related to Messi’s proposed visit.