Mollywood Actor Jayasurya Under ED Scanner in Multi-Crore App Fraud
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the Save Box App deposit fraud case, with popular Mollywood actor Jayasurya now under detailed examination. The agency has revealed that the actor and his wife, Saritha, received a payment of approximately Rs one crore into their bank accounts from companies connected to the main accused, Swadiq Rahim.
Payment Trail and Brand Ambassador Role
According to findings reported by Kerala Kaumudi, the financial trail led investigators to the actor's accounts. Jayasurya has consistently maintained that the money was a legitimate fee for his role as the brand ambassador of the Save Box App. The app, launched in 2019 by Thrissur-based Swadiq Rahim, was marketed as India's first online auction platform and gained traction through promotions involving several film personalities.
Jayasurya stated he was promised Rs 2 crore for the endorsement deal. The fraud associated with the app surfaced in 2023, prompting the ED's probe. The actor has been questioned twice before in this case, and his wife's statement has also been officially recorded.
Controversy Over Fresh Summons and Actor's Denial
A fresh layer of controversy emerged with reports that the ED has directed Jayasurya to appear again for questioning on January 7. However, the actor has issued a strong rebuttal, denying receipt of any such summons. In a detailed social media post, he clarified his prior cooperation, stating he appeared before the agency on December 24 and again on December 29 after receiving official summons.
"When spreading lies becomes media duty, I have been shocked for the past two days seeing the false stories being spread about me," Jayasurya wrote. He emphasized that neither he nor his wife had received any notice for a January 7 appearance at the time of his writing.
Jayasurya's Defence and Broader Implications
The actor's response highlighted the dilemma faced by public figures in endorsement deals. "Can anyone today guess what kind of frauds people who approach us for advertisements or other needs might do tomorrow?" he questioned. Asserting his compliance with the law, Jayasurya added, "I am just a responsible common citizen who carries out all financial activities only as per the law and pays accurate taxes to the public treasury."
He concluded with criticism of the media coverage, expressing sadness over what he perceives as a departure from factual reporting. The ED, meanwhile, is scrutinizing the bank accounts of the actor and all related transactions as part of its expanding investigation into the multi-crore deposit fraud.
