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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday, May 16, conducted searches at 10 locations, including the residences of Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) Managing Director Visakan IAS, film producer Akash Baskaran, SNJ Distilleries, and a few government contractors.
The probe into the TASMAC case resumed following a Madras High Court order dated April 23, in which the court strongly criticised the Tamil Nadu government for attempting to obstruct the ED’s investigation into the alleged ₹1,000 crore TASMAC scam.
The raids began at TASMAC MD Visakan’s residence in Manapakkam, Chennai. During the course of the search, ED officials recovered printouts of WhatsApp chats near his residence. These printouts, seen by TNM, include details about TASMAC’s liquor procurement, legal issues related to floating tenders, and conversations concerning real estate.
According to ED sources, the agency has identified several areas where money is being generated through TASMAC. “Right now, they are in the process of following the money trail,” a source said.
In March 2025, the ED uncovered incriminating evidence pointing to irregularities within the state-run TASMAC, including manipulation of bar tenders, bar licences, liquor transportation, procurement processes, and a major mismatch in orders for empty bottles. The agency described it as a “well-orchestrated scheme” to generate unaccounted cash and facilitate illicit payments.
Further investigation into the money laundering allegations has revealed fresh links. ED sources said the illicit money generated through TASMAC is being diverted and invested in various sectors, including the film industry.
Akash Baskaran, producer at Dawn Pictures and linked to the DMK’s first family, has come under ED scrutiny. Akash is currently producing three major films: Idli Kadai starring Dhanush, Paraakshati featuring Sivakarthikeyan, and Simbu’s 49th film.
Another company under the ED’s scanner is KS Smart Solutions, which has secured multi-crore projects from the Tamil Nadu government. The firm has also won contracts from the Union government and various state departments, including the Tamil Nadu Police, Commissionerate of Municipal Administration, Directorate of Technical Education, Smart City Projects, Aavin, and Tamil Nadu Tourism.
A few private individuals close to the DMK’s first family are also being raided. However, their specific role in the alleged TASMAC scam is yet to be ascertained.
The ED launched its money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, based on multiple FIRs registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). These FIRs alleged corruption involving TASMAC employees, kickbacks from liquor manufacturers, and illicit payments tied to staff postings and transfers.