M Sivasankar | Photo: ANI
Kochi: The details of the memo issued by Enforcement Directorate to arrest M Sivasankar, former Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, has come out.
The memo stated that during the interrogation on October 15, Sivasankar confessed to contacting the Customs officials and making a request to retrieve the diplomatic baggage addressed to UAE Consulate containing smuggled gold as per wishes of accused Swapna Suresh. This proves his involvement in the crimes committed by Swapna and misuse of his position.
During 2019-20, similar dealings were conducted 21 times and every time Sivasankar had helped. He was aware of the crime and still helped the accused, the memo stated.
A case was registered against Sarith PS, Swapna Prabha Suresh and Sandeep Nair for smuggling 30 kg gold worth Rs 14.82 crore under Sections 16, 17 and 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. During further investigation, it was found Sarith, Swapna, Faisal Fareed and Sandeep Nair committed crime.
As part of probe, digital evidences collected from Swapna’s mobile phone and laptop found her WhatApp chats with Sivasankar. He had earlier asked chartered accountant Venugopal to help Swapna with her financial dealings.
Sivasankar also confessed to have helped Swapna obtain a good job. According to the WhatsApp chat submitted by Venugopal, it is clear that he had informed Sivasankar of the bank locker dealings of Swapna, the memo further stated.
Sivasankar had monitored and supervised the joint account held by Venugopal and Swapna. There is also a possibility that the money seized from Swapna’s locker belonged to Sivasankar.
Sivasankar is highly influential and to know more about how the money, earned illegally, was concealed and used, he should be obtained in custody. Many opportunities were given to him to cooperate with the probe which he either rejected or gave unconvincing answers. He was never ready to spill the truth. Based on the evidences collected and the statement recorded from various individuals as per Section 50 of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, it is confirmed that he was engaged in money laundering, it added.
RELATED STORIES
.jpg?$p=fdf1e0b&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.jpg?$p=08558d0&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.jpg?$p=d827704&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
.jpg?$p=1990e2a&f=1x1&w=100&q=0.8)
.jpg?$p=1990e2a&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
