Enforcement Directorate has started preliminary investigation regarding the financial dealings of the Believers Church in Kerala. ED collected statements and documents related to this from the Income Tax Department which is investigating the case as part of the proceedings. Earlier, the IT officials seized unexplained cash worth several crore of rupees from the institutions under the control of the church. The raid was conducted around 66 locations on November 5. The move comes in the wake of evidence of money laundering under the guise of trusts. The group were reportedly receiving donations and unaccounted money from abroad for helping the poor and for evangelical purposes. The current investigation focuses on six main persons who were controlling the day-to-day affairs of the church. ED is also investigating the involvement of some political party leaders in money laundering. According to ED sources, case will be registered against those involved if it is found to be evident in the preliminary investigation. Meanwhile, IT department has seized an unaccounted amount of Rs 14.5 crore in the raid conducted last week. Most of the cash transactions were done in the name of fake companies. IT officials clarified that the amount seized could be increased once the raid is completed. However, the report of the investigation has been submitted to the Union Finance Ministry.
