Kochi: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been set up to probe into the alleged scam relating to a fictitious plan to bring Argentine Football team led by Lionel Messi for an exhibition match in Kochi in 2025.
The SIT was formed as per the order of Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to investigate alleged financial irregularities in the failed match.
The SIT will be led by ADGP (Law and Order) P Vijayan, Chennithala told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, media reports said.
A team is also examining reports of alleged GST irregularities connected with the controversy.
After coming to power on May 18, 2026, the Congress-led government unearthed the alleged scam.
The preliminary report exposes huge financial, service tax fraud linked to foreign remittances, alleged breach of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), alleged misuse of official machinery causing losses to the public exchequer.
SIT to probe Messi scam in Kerala
