ED probes money laundering in failed Lionel Messi Kochi visit
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a failed plan to bring its legendary former captain Lionel Messi and Argentina's football team to Kochi, Kerala.
After the event was scrapped, ED filed a case against Anto Augustine, the authorized signatory of Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited, and Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited for suspected money laundering, based on the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Kalamassery police on September 15, 2026, at the instance of the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Anto Augustine accused of faking agreement
Anto Augustine, the authorized signatory of Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited, is accused of faking details in their agreement with the Argentina Football Association to mislead both the government and public.
They didn't deliver on their promise.