ED opens money-laundering probe into Messi Kerala visit row

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a money-laundering investigation into the Lionel Messi Kerala visit controversy, registering an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited and its authorised signatory Anto Augustine. The Kochi unit of the ED initiated the probe based on a first information report filed by Kalamassery police, marking an escalation in scrutiny surrounding the Argentine footballer's visit to the state last year. The case centres on alleged financial irregularities connected to the organisation and promotion of Messi's appearance at a Kerala-based event. Augustine, as the authorised signatory of the broadcasting company, has been named as a key person of interest in the investigation. The ED's involvement signals that authorities are examining potential violations of money-laundering laws in connection with the event's financial transactions and fund flows. The investigation is ongoing, with the financial crime agency expected to conduct a detailed examination of the company's financial records and related documentation.