Income Tax officials have not ruled out the possibility of the Enforcement Directorate joining the probe to delve deeper into the alleged conspiracy.
In a recent development, Income Tax officials have uncovered a purported plan involving a significant sum of Rs 200 crore to be transferred through hawala channels for a Tamil Nadu-based political party just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. This revelation came to light following the detention of a major hawala operator at the Chennai airport.
Details:
The detained individual, Vinoth Kumar Joseph, an Indian national who was deported from Malaysia, was apprehended at the Chennai International Airport. Reports suggest that Joseph is linked to a vast hawala network operating between Dubai and Malaysia, facilitating the movement of illicit funds into India.
Seized Items:
During the investigation, Income Tax officials seized Joseph’s mobile phone, iPad, and laptop, along with recording his statement. WhatsApp conversations retrieved from Joseph’s phone indicate plans to bring funds from Dubai to Chennai through hawala channels for the aforementioned political party.
WhatsApp Chats:
Recent WhatsApp exchanges between Vinoth Kumar Joseph and a Dubai-based individual named Selvam revealed discussions about transferring Rs 200 crore from Dubai in connection with the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Key Players:
Joseph’s close associate, known as Appu or Vinayagavelan, reportedly plays a significant role in the election campaign of a prominent politician. The investigation also points to the involvement of Monika Virola based in Dubai, Al Manar Diamonds, and Suresh based in Malaysia in facilitating the hawala transactions.
Ongoing Investigation:
Further investigation into this matter is currently underway. Income Tax officials have not ruled out the possibility of the Enforcement Directorate joining the probe to delve deeper into the alleged conspiracy.
Conclusion:
This revelation sheds light on the intricate web of hawala transactions, potentially influencing the political landscape ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Authorities continue their efforts to uncover the full extent of this scheme.
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