Vigilance set to expand probe into ‘trap case’ involving ED official

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) seemed set to expand its probe into the high-profile ‘trap case’ in Kochi that allegedly revealed a ‘bribe-for-legal reprieve’ scheme involving an Enforcement Directorate (ED) official and his facilitators, including a chartered accountant.

According to officials privy to the highly sensitive probe, the VACB is reportedly poised to summon the suspect ED official for questioning. It has not ruled out the possibility that more “victims of the corruption racket” would reach out to the law for justice.

Tools deployed

Officials said the racketeers relied on encrypted digital communication, difficult-to-trace internet telephony, and Mumbai-based bank accounts for criminal purposes.

The agency was reportedly mapping the racket’s digital footprints. It has reportedly sought the transaction history of the bank accounts operated by the suspects and their “front persons” who provided financial cover to the “racketeers”. Official sources said the ‘criminal operation,’ prima facie, seemed entrenched and not a one-off offence.

Recording statements

The VACB is reportedly contemplating recording the sworn statements of the ‘go-betweens’ in the alleged bribery racket in camera before the jurisdictional magistrate if any of the ‘intermediaries’ came forward of their own volition. Officials said the accused possibly faced serious legal jeopardy, given that the ED must mandatorily register an anti-money laundering case predicated on the FIR registered by the VACB.

Meanwhile, the businessperson who helped the VACB spring the trap case publicly recounted the ‘duress and humiliation’ he underwent at the hands of the Central agency’s top officials at their regional office in Kochi. Officials said the petitioner had made a comparable statement to the VACB, arguably necessitating further probe, possibly also under the penal provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Congress, CPI(M) criticism

Meanwhile, the ED drew scathing criticism from the ruling front and Opposition. Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] State secretary M. V. Govindan said the Kochi case was the tip of the iceberg. He said the ED officials performed hatchet jobs for the BJP, which allowed them to enrich themselves through extortion, intimidation, and bribes.

Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan said that ED cases rarely resulted in convictions. The BJP used the agency to disparage opponents and extort money for its political operations. He said more cases would come to light.