The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out searches across several states in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the alleged liquor policy scam in Andhra Pradesh. Raids were conducted in Delhi-NCR, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, targeting business groups and individuals suspected of routing illicit funds through shell firms, benami companies and hawala operators.
According to officials, the case stems from findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Andhra Pradesh police, which alleged that a network of liquor companies and intermediaries diverted large sums through unlawful means. The SIT report indicated that more than ₹3,500 crore was illegally funneled between 2019 and 2024 as part of a wider kickback system involving liquor supply orders.
Investigators have alleged that 16 liquor companies paid bribes amounting to about ₹1,677 crore to secure orders from the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL). In turn, APSBCL reportedly awarded supply contracts worth nearly ₹10,835 crore to these firms. Officials further claim that over 90 per cent of supply orders, amounting to around ₹23,000 crore, were concentrated among just 40 of the 111 registered companies.
The modus operandi, according to enforcement agencies, involved disguising illicit payments as expenses for raw materials or promotional activities. Once payments were received, funds were withdrawn in cash and distributed as kickbacks to various parties. The ED has booked the accused under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is tracing the money trail through multiple states.
Several individuals have already been taken into custody, including businessman Raj Kasireddy, while eight others recently had their judicial remand extended by a special court in Vijayawada until September 26. Statements from multiple distilleries have been recorded as part of the ongoing probe.
Officials clarified that no politicians were searched during Thursday’s raids, which were focused solely on firms and financial intermediaries. The ED is expected to continue its investigation in coordination with the SIT, with more seizures and arrests likely as evidence is examined.
Do you want me to go back and re-polish the earlier rewrites (like the Samsung, iOS, Nothing Ear 3 ones) in this same clean, journalistic tone?