Messi event fraud: Statement alleges IAS officer prevented action over tax evasion

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An IAS officer allegedly pressured officials to refrain from taking action over GST evasion in financial transactions carried out in the name of bringing football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala, according to a statement recorded as part of the investigation.

The SIT report had earlier stated that V. Sunil Kumar, Deputy Commissioner at the GST headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, had told a GST Intelligence officer in Kasaragod not to proceed with further action after the officer flagged the alleged tax evasion. The SIT later questioned Sunil Kumar under the leadership of ADGP P. Vijayan, during which he reportedly gave a statement against the IAS officer.

The officer was serving in the Tax Department during the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. The Special Investigation Team is expected to summon the officer to record her statement. The SIT had earlier flagged delays and supervisory lapses in the GST investigation.

Meanwhile, a file recommending departmental disciplinary action against four GST officials from the Kanhangad and Kozhikode regions had recently reached the Chief Minister. Action, including suspension, is expected against the officials for allegedly failing to take appropriate steps in connection with the GST irregularities. The investigation has now widened to senior officials as well.

The SIT will also record the statement of former Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman in connection with the alleged fraud in Messi’s name. The team has obtained documents, including records of emails sent from the former minister’s office to foreign destinations. Some members of his personal staff may also be questioned. The SIT had earlier begun recording statements from officials and others connected with the proposed Messi visit.

Documents seized in raids produced in court

Documents and digital devices seized during searches conducted at Reporter Broadcasting Company and other locations in connection with the alleged multi-crore fraud in Messi’s name have been produced before the Thrikkakara Magistrate Court. The documents were produced on Friday evening by a team led by ACP C. Bijoy Chandran. Bank records, details of financial transactions, laptops, mobile phones, an iPad and documents related to the Kaloor Stadium were among the materials seized during the 20-hour-long searches. The electronic devices will be handed over to a forensic laboratory as directed by the court. Recent reports have also confirmed that the SIT conducted searches at Reporter Broadcasting Company and other premises as part of the investigation.