Thu Mar 13 17:26:06 UTC 2025: ## ED Uncovers Massive ₹1,000 Crore Liquor Scam in Tamil Nadu

**Chennai, March 14, 2025** – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a massive financial fraud involving distillery and bottling companies in Tamil Nadu, revealing a sophisticated scheme to siphon off over ₹1,000 crore in unaccounted-for cash. The investigation implicated several companies, including distilleries SNJ, Kals, Accord, SAIFL, and Shiva, and bottling firms Devi, Crystal, and GLR Holding, in a conspiracy to generate illicit payments and secure inflated supply orders from the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac).

The ED’s press release detailed how distilleries inflated expenses and created fake purchases, primarily through bottle-making companies, to generate the unaccounted-for cash. This money was then used to bribe Tasmac officials for increased supply orders and other favors. Bottling companies played a crucial role by inflating sales figures, allowing distilleries to channel excess payments that were subsequently withdrawn as cash and returned after commissions were deducted.

The investigation also revealed evidence of manipulation in Tasmac’s transport and bar license tenders. Irregularities included mismatched KYC details in tender applications, awarding tenders with only one applicant, and allocating licenses to applicants lacking proper GST/PAN numbers or KYC documentation. Direct communication between distillery companies and high-ranking Tasmac officials was also discovered, indicating efforts to secure preferential treatment. Tasmac’s annual payments to transporters exceeded ₹100 crore.

The ED’s findings have established various offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Searches conducted on March 6 across Tamil Nadu yielded incriminating data related to transfers, tenders, and indent orders, along with evidence of inflated charges by Tasmac outlets. The ED is currently examining the roles of employees and associates from Tasmac, distilleries, and bottle-making companies involved in this extensive scam.

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