CHENNAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted simultaneous searches at 21 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka on Tuesday.
ED sleuths carried out searches at least at five locations in Chennai as part of an investigation into the misappropriation of gold plates from Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple and the subsequent laundering of the proceeds.
The case involves stolen temple gold plates that were allegedly sold in Chennai using forged documents to disguise them as copper.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) had earlier reported that the illicit funds were routed through illegal channels, prompting the ED to register a money laundering case in December.
Till now, 10 people have been arrested, including former temple board officials, a private company executive, and a jeweller.
Most recently, the Tantri of the temple was arrested on January 9 for allegedly aiding the accused.
The current searches aim to uncover the money trail, identify assets bought with crime proceeds, and gather further evidence.
The SIT has already frozen several bank accounts and properties linked to the suspects.