The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered a “deep-rooted” corruption network involving prominent consultants across key Tamil Nadu government departments, following raids on May 6 in Chennai and Vellore.

The operation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), led to the seizure of Rs 4.73 crore in unaccounted cash intended for bribes, the agency announced Friday.

The probe stems from a Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) FIR against S Pandian, a former Environment Department Superintendent, and others for disproportionate assets.

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The ED raided 16 premises linked to Pandian and consultants, revealing a sophisticated web of corruption. Consultants, acting as middlemen, allegedly used shell companies and consultancy firms to channel kickbacks disguised as service fees, securing illegal approvals through fixed commissions.

Key consultants named—Prabhakar Sigamony, A K Nathan, Naveen Kumar, Santhosh Kumar, and Vinoth Kumar—were found facilitating these illicit clearances. The ED recovered incriminating documents, digital records, and property papers showing large-scale fund siphoning.

Notably, an employee of a consultant destroyed her phone to conceal evidence, prompting the ED to vow legal action for non-cooperation.

The findings align with earlier ED probes, including a multi crore bank fraud case exposing corruption in Tamil Nadu’s Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department.

The agency’s ongoing investigations highlight systemic issues, with illicit funds routed through hawala and bribes tied to official postings, underscoring the scale of entrenched corruption in the state’s governance.

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