How the Save Box app probe led to actor Jayasurya's ₹39 lakh property seizure

Actor Jayasurya's property worth ₹39 lakh has been seized. This is part of an ongoing money laundering investigation.
By Newsroom | Crime, Kerala |

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step in its money laundering investigation by attaching an immovable asset valued at ₹39 lakh connected to popular Malayalam actor Jayasurya. This action, taken on February 17, 2026, involves a property in Kerala and is linked to the ongoing probe into the financial dealings of the "Save Box" app. Officials cited the property as having been "received by" Jayasurya.

ED attaches asset linked to Malayalam actor Jayasurya in money laundering case - 1

Background of the Investigation

The ED's action follows an investigation into the "Save Box" app, an online auction platform that allegedly promised high returns to users who purchased virtual coins for bidding.

ED attaches asset linked to Malayalam actor Jayasurya in money laundering case - 2

  • Timeline of Events:

  • December 29, 2025: Jayasurya was questioned by the ED regarding his role as the brand ambassador for the Save Box app.

  • December 30, 2025: Jayasurya and his wife, Saritha Jayasurya, were interrogated by the ED in connection with a money laundering case tied to the online investment platform.

  • February 17, 2026: A provisional order was issued by the ED to attach an immovable property in Kerala, valued at ₹39.01 lakh, linked to Jayasurya.

  • February 18, 2026: News of the asset attachment was widely reported.

  • Key Individuals and Entities:

  • Jayasurya: Malayalam actor, investigated for his alleged role and financial dealings with the Save Box app.

  • Saritha Jayasurya: Wife of Jayasurya, also questioned by the ED.

  • Enforcement Directorate (ED): The Indian government agency responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting financial crime.

  • Save Box App: An online auction platform implicated in a financial scam.

Evidence of Attachment

The core of the ED's action is the attachment of an immovable asset linked to Jayasurya.

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ED attaches asset linked to Malayalam actor Jayasurya in money laundering case - 3

  • Asset Details:

  • Type: Immovable property in Kerala.

  • Value: ₹39 lakh (₹39.01 lakh cited in official orders).

  • Basis for Attachment: The property was reportedly "received by" Jayasurya as part of the investigation.

  • Legal Basis:

  • A provisional order was issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This act provides the legal framework for the ED to freeze or seize assets suspected of being proceeds of crime.

Jayasurya's Association with Save Box

Jayasurya's connection to the Save Box app appears to be a central point in the ED's investigation.

ED attaches asset linked to Malayalam actor Jayasurya in money laundering case - 4

  • Brand Ambassadorship:

  • Jayasurya served as the brand ambassador for the Save Box app.

  • He signed a contract and reportedly inaugurated the app, alongside other film personalities.

  • Financial Scrutiny:

  • The ED is examining payments received by Jayasurya for his role as brand ambassador.

  • Authorities are tracking financial transactions and assessing the involvement of individuals associated with the app.

  • There are claims that a portion of funds collected from investors was diverted, with alleged transactions involving Jayasurya.

Save Box App Allegations

The "Save Box" app operated as an online auction platform.

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  • Operational Model:

  • Users were required to purchase virtual coins.

  • These coins were used to bid on electronic gadgets in auctions.

  • The platform promised high returns to its users.

  • Nature of the Scam:

  • The app is under investigation for financial fraud and alleged cheating.

  • Authorities are probing how illicit funds were handled and where they were channeled.

Official Statements and Sources

Information regarding the ED's action and the ongoing investigation has been provided by official sources.

  • Key Statements:

  • "A provisional order was issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Tuesday to attach an immovable property in Kerala, worth ₹39.01 lakh, that was “received by” Mr. Jayasurya, the sources said." (The Hindu)

  • "The ED has frozen assets worth ₹39 lakh linked to Jayasurya following an examination of payments received for his role as a brand ambassador, according to officials." (Mathrubhumi)

  • "തട്ടിപ്പിലൂടെ സേവ് ബോക്സ് നേടിയ കള്ളപ്പണം കൈമാറിയവരുടെ പട്ടികയില് ജയസൂര്യയും ഉള്പ്പെട്ടതാണ് അന്വേഷണത്തിന് വഴിയൊരുക്കിയത്." (News18 Malayalam - This translates to: "Jayasurya was included in the list of those who received the black money obtained by Save Box through fraud, which paved the way for the investigation.")

Unresolved Questions

While the ED has attached assets, certain aspects of the investigation remain under examination.

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  • What specific transactions led to the attachment of the immovable property?

  • What is the full extent of Jayasurya's financial involvement with the Save Box app beyond his brand ambassadorship?

  • How much of the alleged illicit funds were channeled through or received by Jayasurya?

Expert Analysis

Legal experts emphasize the procedural nature of asset attachment in money laundering cases.

  • Legal Perspective:

  • The PMLA allows for the provisional attachment of assets if the investigating officer has reason to believe that such assets are proceeds of crime and that the person concerned islikely to conceal or dispose of them.

  • This attachment is a preliminary step and requires confirmation by the Adjudicating Authority within a specified period.

Conclusion

The Enforcement Directorate's attachment of Jayasurya's asset valued at ₹39 lakh marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the "Save Box" app financial scam. The ED's action is predicated on the premise that the asset is linked to proceeds of money laundering, with Jayasurya having allegedly received it as part of his association with the platform. The investigation is reportedly ongoing, focusing on tracking financial flows and verifying the extent of involvement of all parties concerned. Jayasurya and his wife have previously been questioned by the agency in relation to these allegations.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Enforcement Directorate seize actor Jayasurya's property on February 17, 2026?
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized a property worth ₹39 lakh belonging to actor Jayasurya as part of its investigation into the Save Box app. The ED believes the property was received by Jayasurya as part of money laundering activities.
Q: What is the Save Box app and why is it being investigated?
The Save Box app was an online auction platform where users bought virtual coins to bid on items. It is being investigated for financial fraud and cheating, with allegations that it promised high returns but was involved in money laundering.
Q: What was Jayasurya's role in the Save Box app?
Jayasurya was the brand ambassador for the Save Box app. The ED is investigating payments he received for this role and his financial dealings related to the app. He and his wife were questioned by the ED in December 2025.
Q: What happens next after the property was seized?
The seizure of the property is a provisional step. The Enforcement Directorate will need confirmation from an Adjudicating Authority. The investigation into the Save Box app and the financial transactions of those involved, including Jayasurya, is ongoing.