THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Probe agencies are gearing up to strengthen the investigation against the big sharks involved in the dollar transfer case. Sarith a key accused in the gold smuggling case, in his testimony given to the customs department has said that a prominent political leader, who occupies an important position in the state, has played a detrimental role in the dollar transfer case.

Another key accused in the case, Swapna Suresh has concurred with Sarith’s testimony. She also revealed the relationship that she has with the political leader concerned. Even the probe officials were shocked to know about the relation between Swapna and the political leader and economic transactions between the duo. He has received exemptions from checkpoints in the airport and he was able to board the flights, without any checking. The probe team thinks that the political leader might have misused the legal impunity given to him.

ED is gearing up to launch a strong probe against the leader after collecting all related evidence against him. The agency will also probe what kind of money was transferred and who all are involved in these illegal transactions. Sources suggest that the agency might also question the personal staff of the political leader to collect details of his foreign trip. As part of the probe the leader could also get questioned, the agency needs to address legal issues associated with it.

Swapna has told probe officials that the leader was engaged in efforts to set up a franchise of a foreign university in Sharjah and the dollars were transferred for this purpose. Swapna has also added that a Malayalee based in Bengaluru who runs an educational consultancy has rendered all assistance to the political leader using his connections in UAE. She has also given the details of this person to customs officials. Whereas Sarith has given details like the amount given to the leader and the place where dollars were given to him.