LIFE Mission case: ED seizes Rs 5.38 cr worth assets of Santhosh and Swapna

KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets and bank accounts worth Rs 5.38 crore of contractor Santhosh Eapen and former UAE Consulate official Swapna Suresh in the LIFE Mission corruption case.

The action is in the ED's case alleging money laundering and bribery under the guise of an agreement to construct a flat in the LIFE Mission project in Thrissur Vadakancherry. The Kochi residence of Unitac owner Santhosh Eapan, who is a flat construction contractor, and the bank account of Swapna Suresh were confiscated.

The ED is investigating the case where a foreign aid worth Rs 19 crore was received without the knowledge and consent of the central government under the guise of the LIFE Mission project and embezzling Rs 4.5 crore as commission. Out of this, ED had found that Rs 1 crore was smuggled abroad.