Kochi/New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday conducted searches at multiple locations in Kerala in connection with the alleged fake CSR fund scam, in which fraudsters swindled money from many people across Kerala by falsely promising to offer laptops, two-wheelers, and home appliances at half price.

Official sources said the entities, trusts and individuals who have "received" money from Anandu Krishnan, the prime suspect in the case, are being searched to trace the proceeds of crime collected from poor people.

Also Read | Tesla Hiring in India: US-Based Electric Car Maker Shares Job Vacancies for 13 Roles, Mainly in Mumbai and Delhi, After Elon Musk-PM Narendra Modi Meet, Check Details.

Role of some politicians, electronic dealers, automotive dealers and cooperative banks and a fertiliser manufacturing company are under the scrutiny of the federal probe agency.

The money laundering case stems from an FIR of the Kerala Police Crime Branch wing.

Also Read | Kolkata Fatafat Result Today: Kolkata FF Result for February 18, 2025 Declared, Check Winning Numbers and Result Chart of Satta Matka-Type Lottery Game.

According to complaints received by the police, the fraudsters made false offers, claiming that the discount was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of various NGOs and charitable organisations.

According to the police, the total amount defrauded in these cases is around Rs 37 crore.

The police had arrested Krishnan, a resident of Thodupuzha in Idukki district, for allegedly defrauding people of several crores by promising scooters, sewing machines, home appliances, and laptops at half price.

The police are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the scam, which has led to complaints from across the state.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)