https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/ed-raids-various-locations-in-tamil-nadu-over-tasmac-money-laundering-case--23544317

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out raids at various locations across Tamil Nadu in connection with reported offences related to Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) and association entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Investigating has begun today, early morning at 10 locations, informed the officials, reported news agency ANI.

This search operation follows numerous FIRs filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The allegations include TASMAC shops charging more than the actual MRP, distillery companies giving kickbacks to TASMAC officials for supply orders, and senior TASMAC officials accepting bribes from retail shops and for staff transfers.

On March 6, 2025, ED conducted a search operation and seized incriminating data related to transfer posting, transport tender manipulation, bar license tenders, indent orders benefiting specific distilleries, and overpricing of Rs 10- 30 per bottle at TASMAC outlets by officials.

This investigation revealed tampering in TASMAC’s transport tender process, including interchanging between application KYC details and Demand Drafts. Tenders were passed despite having a single applicant.

As per annual report of TASMAC over Rs 100 crore is paid for transporters. There is evidence that shows bar license tenders were budgeted for applicants without GST/PAN numbers or proper KYC documents.

According to ANI, investigations revealed direct communication between several distillery companies and senior TASMAC officials, with the objective of securing inflated indent orders and obtaining undue favouritism in business dealings. This coordinated effort appears to be part of a much larger financial scam involving not just distilleries, but also multiple bottling firms operating within the supply chain. These entities are accused of deliberately inflating operational costs and creating fake purchases to embezzle more than Rs 1000 crore in unreported funds.

The embezzled funds were allegedly utilized to pay bribes and illicit commissions to ensure preferential treatment, including the manipulation of supply orders in favour of select firms. Bottling companies. Bottling companies allegedly increased sales figures to help route excess payments, which were later withdrawn in cash after deducting commissions.

This scam included systematic tampering of financial documentation, deliberate concealment of actual cash flows, and a well-orchestrated strategy to evade regulatory oversight. ED is actively investigating current and former TASMAC employees, and key personnel associated with both distilleries and bottling companies.