The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has frozen assets worth Rs 39 lakh belonging to Malayalam actor Jayasurya in connection with the alleged Save Box online auction app fraud case. Jayasurya had been the brand ambassador of the firm accused of cheating investors through a digital bidding platform. This action follows directives from the Central government to intensify actions against online platforms involved in defrauding the public.
Investigators discovered that around Rs 1 crore had been transferred from the account of the prime accused, Sadiq Rahim, to the bank accounts of Jayasurya and his wife, Saritha. The ED has stated that the actor is among the recipients of funds allegedly obtained through the fraud. Jayasurya has been questioned twice in this case and has claimed that the amount received was payment for his role as a brand ambassador.
The ED is further scrutinizing Jayasurya’s bank accounts and contractual agreements. He has been requested to provide complete documentation of his financial transactions with the company and has been summoned for additional questioning. The Save Box app, which claimed users could buy electronic goods at discounted prices through an online auction system, was marketed as India’s first betting app and was launched by Jayasurya.
Authorities began police investigations in 2023 after complaints that Sadiq had deceived nearly 100 individuals by promising franchise opportunities under the Save Box brand. The ED initiated a parallel investigation under money laundering provisions due to suspected large-scale financial transactions. The probe is also exploring potential involvement of more film industry personalities linked to the accused as it progresses.
