Hawala Dealings in Malayalam Film Industry: Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate Step Up Efforts

Kochi: The Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have stepped up their efforts following intelligence information about large amounts of black money being invested in the Malayalam film industry from abroad. 5 producers of Malayalam cinema are under the surveillance of central agencies. One person paid a fine of Rs 25 crore. ED will interrogate the remaining 4 people.

Central agencies had received documents of the producer, who is also a Malayalam actor, receiving huge sums of money abroad. Following this, the construction company was fined Rs 25 crore. It is mainly checked whether the black money from foreign financial sources reaches Kerala for the production of ‘propaganda’ films for the propagation of any ideas that have a negative impact on national security. The central agencies have also received statements that the maximum number of intoxicants reach the shooting locations during the production of films with foreign money investments.

The Income Tax Department has been questioning the producer who invested heavily in Malayalam for two days. This is to check the allegation that this producer is making benami and investing black money in Malayalam cinema. Central Home Department has also instructed intelligence agencies to scrutinize the plot of new Malayalam movies. ED issued notices to the remaining 3 producers to appear for questioning. The statement of the chartered accountants who examine their financial transactions will also be recorded.

English Summary: Hawala dealings in Malayalam film industry