IT Conducts Multi-Location Raids in Jaffar Money Laundering Probe

Income Tax (IT) officials searched more than 10 places linked to expelled DMK member and businessman Jaffar Sadiq in Chennai on April 6. The searches took place in areas like Anna Salai, Purasawalkam, Egmore, and Pattinapakkam. These raids were carried out along with election flying squads ahead of the upcoming elections in the state. Officials reportedly received information about possible cash distribution in the city.

Around 10 am, officers raided JSM Residency on Crescent Road and several other locations. This property had earlier been attached in a money laundering case against Jaffar in September 2024. IT officials also searched the house of film director Amir, who has been named as a co-accused in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) chargesheet.

Earlier in November 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) submitted a chargesheet against Jaffar under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The 250-page document accused him of running an international drug trafficking network for over 10 years. It stated that he laundered money earned from drug sales through film production and businesses like dry fruit exports and real estate.

Jaffar is accused of smuggling drugs such as ketamine and pseudoephedrine to countries including Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand. When he was arrested, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) reportedly seized 50 kg of pseudoephedrine linked to him. Pseudoephedrine is usually found in cold medicines but can be misused to make methamphetamine.

The Special Intelligence and Investigation Branch (SIIB) also seized 38 kg of ketamine and another 50 kg of pseudoephedrine in related operations. The ED has also said that Jaffar spent at least Rs 6.3 crore of drug money on film production. Apart from this, 33 crore was allegedly found in bank accounts connected to him and his family.