Kochi/Wayanad: In a major development surrounding the investigation into the multi-crore Lionel Messi Kerala visit fraud case, police and Excise officials raided the Wayanad residence of Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine on Wednesday morning. The simultaneous raids—conducted across five locations including the Reporter Channel headquarters in Kalamassery, Kochi—led to the recovery of a massive liquor stash from his home in Vazhavatta, Wayanad.
During the search operation, officials seized 43 litres of foreign liquor and 7 litres of wine stored well beyond legally permissible individual limits. Following the discovery by police personnel, a team from the Kalpetta Excise Circle, led by Inspector Sharafudheen, arrived at the premises to take over the seizure process. Excise officials indicated that a separate case under the Abkari Act will be registered against Augustine. Under Kerala law, individuals are permitted to keep a maximum of 3 litres of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and 3.5 litres of wine for personal use.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by ADGP P. Vijayan launched the crackdowns following an FIR filed at Kalamassery police station. Anto Augustine has been named as the primary accused in the FIR, which alleges financial deception, forging contracts with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and misrepresenting sponsorships to scam both the state government and investors. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the confiscated alcohol was illegally imported or procured through unauthorized channels.
