Messi visit row in Keralam: Police register FIR against Anto Augustine, Reporter Broadcasting Company

The Kalamassery police on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) registered a first information report (FIR) in connection with the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) ongoing probe into alleged financial misappropriation and tax evasion linked to a failed attempt to bring the Argentina national team and its former captain Lionel Messi for an international match in Kochi during the previous LDF government’s tenure.

The FIR arraigned, among others, Anto Augustine, the authorised signatory of Reporter Broadcasting Company Private Limited, and the company itself. The accused have been booked on charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy.

According to the FIR, the accused entered into a criminal conspiracy dating back to before December 20, 2024, when “illegal and fake” details were inserted into the agreement signed with the Argentina Football Association, with the intent of cheating the State government and the public for profiteering.