Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has found that actor Jayasurya received around Rs 1 crore in a deposit fraud case related to the online auction app Save Box. The money was transferred from the account of the main accused in the case, Sadiq Rahim, to the accounts of the actor and his wife, Saritha.
Jayasurya's initial statement was that it was a reward for working as the company's brand ambassador. However, the ED will conduct another inspection of the actor's bank account and contract. A notice has also been issued to him to appear for questioning on January 7. Since Sadiq was very close to people in the film industry, it is also being investigated whether more film stars are involved.
The ED last questioned Jayasurya and his wife on December 29, based on information that Jayasurya had signed a contract as the brand ambassador of the app. His wife's statement was also recorded regarding their financial transactions. It is reported that Jayasurya is going to be questioned again since there is no clarity on his transactions.
In 2023, the Thrissur East Police arrested Sadiq, the owner of the Save Box and a native of Thrissur, on a complaint that he had cheated lakhs of rupees by promising to provide a franchise for the app. Suspicions that large-scale financial transactions had taken place arose during the subsequent investigation. ED also started its probe on the matter shortly after. The app came to the attention of the people after it promised products, including electronic devices, at low prices through online auctions. To participate in the auction, the virtual coins provided by Save Box have to be purchased with money. The people could use the coins to participate in the auctions. Jayasurya was also the one who inaugurated the app, which was advertised as India's first betting app.