Messi’s visit to Kerala: ED registers money laundering case
The FIR also alleges that the accused conspired to get custody of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi by securing a bail waiver of ₹5 crore | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to register a case of alleged financial misappropriation in connection with the failed attempt to bring the Argentina national football team and its legendary former captain Lionel Messi to Kochi, Kerala for a 2025 international friendly.
The Kochi ED will register an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after financial transactions worth crores were unearthed in connection with the failed bid. The First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Kalamassery police on September 15, 2026, on the initiative of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Messi case, will form the basis of the ED case.
The police FIR has accused Ant Augustin, the authorized signatory of Reporter Broadcasting Private Limited, and the company itself, among others. The accused were charged with cheating and criminal conspiracy under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Fees
According to the FIR, the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy before December 20, 2024, when “illegal and false” details were allegedly inserted in the agreement signed with the Argentine Football Association with the intention of defrauding the state government and the public for undue gain.
The FIR further alleged that the accused conspired to obtain custody at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor by securing a bail waiver of ₹5 crore on 26 September 2025. The FIR was registered after a preliminary investigation by the SIT found prima facie grounds for a cognizable offence.
The SIT has since conducted search operations at five places linked to the Ant brothers, including their ancestral home in Wayanad. Wayanad Excise Department registered a case and arrested Mr. Ant Augustin after seizing 67 liters of liquor, including suspected adulterated liquor, from the ancestral house. He was later granted bail by the Kerala High Court.
Published – 5 Oct 2026 13:13 IST