Anto Augustine arrested in Kerala football sponsorship fraud probe

Anto Augustine, Managing Director of Reporter Broadcasting Company, has been arrested following a series of investigations into alleged financial irregularities surrounding a proposed visit by Lionel Messi and the Argentina national football team to Kerala.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted searches at five locations, including the Reporter TV office and residences in Kochi and Wayanad. The SIT has filed an FIR alleging that Augustine and his company conspired to cheat the government by using false clauses in an agreement with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) to make unlawful gains. The investigation also flagged an alleged tax liability of Rs 25.78 crore, including unpaid IGST on payments made to the AFA.

In a separate development, the Excise Department arrested Augustine for the possession of approximately 67 litres of unauthorized liquor discovered during the SIT searches at his ancestral home.

The police action has sparked political controversy, with opposition leaders alleging that the searches disrupted newsroom operations and infringed upon press freedom by seizing journalists' mobile phones. Government officials have defended the searches as lawful actions conducted under court warrants.