CSR funds scam: ED conducts raids across Kerala

Enforcement Directorate conducts searches in Kerala for fake CSR funds scam involving Anandu Krishnan defrauding people of ₹37 crore.

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday (February 18, 2025) conducted searches at multiple locations in Kerala in connection with the alleged fake CSR funds scam, in which fraudsters swindled money from many people across the State by falsely promising to offer laptops, two-wheelers, and home appliances at half price.

Official sources said the entities, trusts and individuals who have "received" money from Ananthu Krishnan, the prime suspect in the case, are being searched to trace the proceeds of crime collected from poor people.

The role of some politicians, electronic dealers, automotive dealers and cooperative banks and a fertiliser manufacturing company are under the scrutiny of the federal probe agency.

The money-laundering case stems from an FIR of the Kerala Police Crime Branch wing.

According to complaints received by the police, the fraudsters made false offers, claiming that the discount was part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of various NGOs and charitable organisations.

According to the police, the total amount defrauded in these cases is around ₹37 crore.

The police had arrested Mr. Krishnan, a resident of Thodupuzha in Idukki district, for allegedly defrauding people of several crores by promising scooters, sewing machines, home appliances, and laptops at half price.