Tamil Nadu Liquor Scam: ED Raids TASMAC MD’s Residence, Recovers WhatsApp Chats Linked to ₹1,000 Crore Money Laundering Case
- Rangaraj R
- May 17
- 2 min read
Chennai, May 17, 2025 — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified its probe into the ₹1,000 crore TASMAC liquor scam with a series of high-profile raids across Tamil Nadu. On Friday, ED officials conducted searches at 10 locations, including the residence of TASMAC Managing Director Visakan IAS, well-known film producer Akash Baskaran, SNJ Distilleries, and several government contractors.
The ED action follows a stern Madras High Court order dated April 23, which criticized the Tamil Nadu government for attempting to obstruct the federal agency’s investigation into the alleged money laundering operations connected to TASMAC.
Key Findings: WhatsApp Chat Printouts Recovered
At Visakan’s Manapakkam residence in Chennai, ED officers recovered printouts of WhatsApp conversations that reportedly reveal critical details about TASMAC’s liquor procurement strategies, legal disputes over tenders, and high-value real estate dealings.Sources close to the ED told TNM that these chats could serve as vital evidence in tracking the complex money trail in the liquor procurement scam.
ED Probes Money Trail into Film Industry, Real Estate
According to ED officials, the probe has uncovered fresh links indicating that illicit money generated from TASMAC operations is being funneled into the film industry and real estate sectors.
Among those under the scanner is Akash Baskaran, producer at Dawn Pictures, who is alleged to have close ties with DMK’s first family. Baskaran is currently working on high-budget films including Idli Kadai (starring Dhanush), Paraakshati (featuring Sivakarthikeyan), and Simbu’s 49th film.
KS Smart Solutions, DMK Allies Also Under Scrutiny
The ED is also investigating KS Smart Solutions, a company that has bagged multiple government contracts from both the Tamil Nadu and Union governments, including departments like the Police, Smart City Projects, and Aavin.Additionally, private individuals close to the DMK leadership are reportedly under investigation, although their direct involvement in the TASMAC liquor scam is yet to be established.
Background: TASMAC Scam Under PMLA
The ED’s investigation, launched under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, is based on several FIRs filed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The FIRs allege massive corruption in TASMAC’s liquor tenders, licenses, transportation, and procurement processes, along with kickbacks and illegal staff postings.
The agency earlier described the scam as a “well-orchestrated scheme” to generate unaccounted cash, facilitate bribes, and launder the proceeds through complex financial channels.
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