Chennai: In accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is raiding many locations in Tamil Nadu in relation to suspected offenses involving Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) and affiliated organizations. Authorities said that ten sites were searched in the early hours of this morning.

Following several FIRs under the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1988, the investigation focuses on issues like TASMAC shops charging higher prices than the actual MRP, distillery companies allegedly paying kickbacks to TASMAC officials for supply orders, and senior TASMAC officials taking bribes from retail stores and staff transfers.

Incriminating information on transfer postings, transport tender manipulation, bar license tenders, indent orders favoring certain distilleries, and excessive prices of Rs. 10–30 per bottle at TASMAC outlets involving officials was found during searches earlier on March 6, 2025, by the ED.

The investigation found that TASMAC’s transport procurement process was manipulated, with bids being granted even when there was only one applicant and discrepancies between applicant KYC information and demand drafts.

According to reports, TASMAC gives carriers more than Rs. 100 crore a year. Evidence also indicated that applicants without GST/PAN numbers or other KYC papers were purportedly given bar license tenders.

To get more indent orders and undue favor, investigations revealed a direct connection between distillery businesses and top TASMAC officials. Distilleries and bottling companies are involved in the financial scam. They are accused of fabricating purchases and inflating costs in order to embezzle more than Rs. 1,000 crore in unlawful funds.

Kickbacks for increased supply orders were covered by this funding. To facilitate the routing of extra money, which was then withdrawn in cash after commissions were subtracted, bottling businesses allegedly falsify sales numbers.

Systematic evasion, concealed cash flows, and financial record manipulation were all part of the conspiracy. ED is still investigating the involvement of TASMAC workers and affiliates, distilleries, and bottling firms in these illegal operations.