ED Finds Actor Jayasurya Received One Crore Rupees in Save Box Fraud Probe

Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED), probing the fraud linked to the online auction app Save Box, has found that Malayalam actor Jayasurya received one crore rupees from companies owned by Swathiq Rahman, the prime accused in the case. According to the agency, the payment was made during the period when Jayasurya was associated with the platform. In his preliminary statement, the actor said the amount was remuneration for serving as the brand ambassador of the app.

There are reports that the ED has asked Jayasurya to appear again for questioning at its Kochi office on January 7. This would be the third round of questioning in connection with the case. His wife, Saritha, was questioned earlier as part of the investigation.

The agency began questioning the actor after it emerged that he had entered into a contract to promote Save Box. Investigators examined whether there were financial transactions between Jayasurya and the arrested founder of the app, Thrissur native Swathiq Rahim. Sources said Jayasurya was summoned again as the agency is yet to obtain full clarity on the nature and timing of the transactions. The ED has asked him to produce documents, including the contract and relevant account details.

The Save Box case dates back to 2023, when Swathiq Rahim was arrested following a complaint filed by John, a resident of East Fort, Thrissur. According to investigators, 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, which operated from Shornur Road. The accused later shut down the company and went into hiding, the investigation found.

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

Large sums were also collected by offering franchises for the app. Complaints were filed after investors failed to receive either the promised returns or their principal amounts over a prolonged period. Estimates suggest 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 others associated with the platform, including whether more film personalities were involved.