Liquor scam case: ED searches multiple locations in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad on Thursday.

The ED officials were carrying out searches at the premises linked to some businessmen as part of the investigation into money laundering allegations.

The central agency conducted searches at a couple of villas in Wellington Enclave in West Maredpally of Secunderabad. Searches were also on at some premises in Mahindra Hills.

This is said to be part of nationwide searches by the ED in connection with money-laundering intermediaries allegedly involved in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam.

The intermediaries are alleged to have played a key role in routing nearly Rs 3,500 crore through benami firms, shell entities and hawala networks.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged liquor scam that took place during the previous YSR Congress Party rule filed its second supplementary charge sheet before the ACB Court in Vijayawada on Monday.

The SIT outlined the alleged involvement of Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, Venkatesh Naidu, Balaji Kumar Yadav, and Naveen Krishna, stating that illicit proceeds were laundered through them. The accused allegedly acted as conduits, diverting the funds into shell companies and benami accounts.