KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly issued notices to five people including Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry in connection with the investigation of use of black money in the controversial land transaction of Ernakulam Archdiocese. The Syro-Malabar church informed that it has not received the notice.

The Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese, Major Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, former Administrator Bishop Jacob Mananthodath, Finance Officer Paul Madassery and Auditor Romith have been instructed to appear at the ED office in Kochi on July 10.

The Income Tax Department had found that an unaccounted amount of Rs 13.77 crore had been spent on the sale of land owned by the archdiocese in various parts of Kochi. A fine of Rs 5 crore was also levied. The ED is investigating whether black money was used in transactions made with the help of middlemen.