THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Enforcement Directorate has launched an investigation into the reverse hawala smuggling of money by high-ranking officials, including political figures, in dollars through the UAE consulate's diplomatic channel. The ED has been questioning Swapna and Sarith since yesterday for revealing the details of the reverse hawala to the Customs. The interrogation will last for three days.

The revelations of Swapna are directed against certain ministers and high-ranking constitutional officials. While the Customs is investigating the smuggling of dollars abroad through the diplomatic channel, the ED will be investigating money laundering and benami transactions.

According to Swapna, the money was collected from the homes of high-ranking officials. Tower location and CCTV footage will be crucial in the investigation. M. Sivasankar, who was the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, will be specially investigated for his role in these transactions. Swapna has revealed that she had planned to start an IT company in Muscat with Sivasankar. There are indications that Sivasankar was preparing to retire from the IAS for this.

Swapna has also revealed details regarding the foreign financial transactions and investments of around six VIPs. She had also opened up about the role of a VIP who had planned to set up an international university in Sharjah. The dollars were illegally accumulated through foreign exchange agencies in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi and through banks. A special inquiry will be held to check whether the money was smuggled abroad under the guise of big government projects.