Beware of the goal of extending investigations into “trap cases” involving ED officials

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) appears to extend its investigation into Kozhi’s high-profile “trap case” which allegedly reveals a “legal submission” program involving law enforcement bureau (ED) officials and their facilitators, including rented accountants.

According to officials of the highly sensitive investigation, the VACB is reportedly preparing to call suspect ED officials for inquiries. It does not rule out that more “corrupt racket victims” would extend the law.

Deployment tools

For criminal purposes, racketers rely on encrypted digital communications, hard-to-transmit Internet calls and Mumbai-based bank accounts, officials said.

The agency is reportedly drawing digital footprints of rackets. It reportedly sought transaction history for the suspect and his “ex-person” who provided financial insurance for the “racketer.” Official sources said the “criminal action” appears to be deeply rooted on the surface rather than a one-time crime.

Record statement

The VACB is reportedly considering recording the oath statement of “Go-Betweens” in a photo racket heard in a jurisdiction if any “middleman” shows his own will. Officials say the defendant could face serious legal dangers, given the ED must compulsory registration of anti-money laundering cases on VACB-registered FIRs.

Meanwhile, the businessman who helped the VACB pop up the trap case openly recounted the “coercion and humiliation” he received at the hands of senior officials of his central agency in his district office in Kochi. Officials said the petitioner had issued a comparable statement to the VACB, arguably a further investigation and perhaps also needed to be under the criminal provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Congress, CPI(M) criticism

Meanwhile, Ed made harsh criticism from the ruling front and the opposition. The Communist Party of India (Marxism) [CPI(M)] Secretary of State MV Govindan said the Kochi case is the tip of the iceberg. He said ED officials did axe work for the BJP, which allowed them to enrich themselves through blackmail, intimidation and bribery.

Leaders of opposition VD Satheesan said ED cases rarely lead to convictions. The BJP used the institution to devalue its opponents and blackmail its political actions. He said more cases will be revealed.