Kerala 'Fake CSR Fund' Scam: ED Conducts Raids In Investigation Into 'Multi-Crore Fraud'

Kerala 'Fake CSR Fund' Scam: ED’s probe has expanded to scrutinise the roles of several politicians, electronic and automotive dealers, cooperative banks and even fertilizer manufacturing firm.

According to complaints, the fraudsters claimed that the discounted offers were part of CSR activities conducted by various NGOs and charitable organisations.

Source : PTI

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out searches at multiple locations across Kerala as part of its investigation into an alleged fake Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund scam. The scam, which has allegedly defrauded thousands of people, involved fraudsters luring victims with false promises of laptops, two-wheelers, and home appliances at half price under the guise of CSR initiatives.

The ED’s action follows a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Kerala Police Crime Branch, which has been investigating the case. The probe agency is focusing on tracing the proceeds of crime and identifying entities, trusts, and individuals who allegedly received funds from Anandu Krishnan, the prime accused in the scam, as per a report on PTI. Krishnan, a resident of Thodupuzha in Idukki district, was arrested earlier by the police for his involvement in the multi-crore fraud.

The ED’s investigation has expanded to scrutinise the roles of several politicians, electronic and automotive dealers, cooperative banks, and even a fertilizer manufacturing company.

According to complaints, the fraudsters claimed that the discounted offers were part of CSR activities conducted by various NGOs and charitable organisations. Victims were persuaded to pay upfront amounts, only to realise later that the promises were entirely fraudulent. The police estimate that the total amount swindled in the scam is approximately Rs 37 crore, with complaints pouring in from across the state.

Krishnan’s arrest by the Kerala Police earlier this year had already shed light on the elaborate nature of the fraud. He allegedly used a network of agents to spread the false CSR offers, targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly from low-income backgrounds.

In Kannur city limits, Kannur City police commissioner Nidhin Raj said that around 700 cases have been registered in the region.