Jayasurya May Face Fresh ED Questioning In Save Box Probe: Reports

Kochi: There are reports that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a fresh summons to Malayalam actor Jayasurya in connection with its probe into the Save Box online auction app investment fraud case. He has reportedly been asked to appear before the agency on January 7. ED sources are said to have indicated that the move followed further scrutiny of financial details linked to the case. Jayasurya and his wife, Saritha, are reported to have been questioned earlier as part of the investigation.

The latest round of questioning is reportedly linked to Jayasurya’s association with Save Box as its brand ambassador.Investigators are examining whether any financial transactions took place between the actor and the app’s founder, Swathik Rahim, a native of Viyyur in Thrissur district, who is currently under arrest. The ED is also looking into suspected transfers of money to the bank account of Saritha. Jayasurya had inaugurated the company, and the agency believes that the remuneration he received under the endorsement agreement may have originated from funds collected through the alleged fraud. Based on these findings, the ED decided to summon him again. Sources indicated that more film personalities could be questioned as the probe progresses.

The Save Box case dates back to 2023, when Swathik Rahim, a native of Thrissur, was arrested following a complaint filed by John, a resident of East Fort. Investigators said Rahim allegedly collected investments running into crores of rupees by promising to set up Save Box business establishments at multiple locations.

Funds were mobilised under the name of a startup firm, Savebox.in, operating from Shornur Road. The accused later shut down the company and went into hiding, according to the investigation.

The alleged fraud involved projecting investors as shareholders of the firm. When investors sought the return of their money, they were repeatedly given assurances. The company was promoted aggressively on social media as Kerala’s first bidding app, claiming to offer electronic products at reduced prices through online auctions.

Large amounts were also collected in the name of offering franchises for the app. Complaints were filed after investors failed to receive either promised returns or their principal amounts over an extended period. Estimates suggest that individual investments ranged from one lakh to as much as one crore rupees. The Enforcement Directorate continues to trace the money trail and examine the role of those associated with the platform.