Andhra Skill Funds Linked to Offshore Ventures in ED Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered that funds earmarked for skill development in Andhra Pradesh were diverted to firms in Singapore and the UK. In a recent chargesheet, the ED traced 3.4 crore to Ben Research in Singapore and additional sums to Inkfish Hospitality and SKGWORLS Forex, highlighting a significant misuse of public money intended for local youth training.

The investigation reveals that Skillar Enterprises India (SEPL) acted as a primary conduit for these funds, which were transferred under dubious claims of providing training services. The ED alleges SEPL, linked to former Siemens executives, was established shortly after a tripartite agreement and had no legitimate business operations, yet garnered substantial government funds exceeding 371 crore. The agency has classified 151.6 crore as ‘proceeds of crime’ in this sprawling financial scandal.