The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has revealed that Jaffer Sadiq, a former DMK functionary under investigation for running international drug trafficking ring, used black money to finance movies made by Dravidianist filmmaker Ameer Sultan.
According to an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Sadiq invested at least ₹10 crore into film production as part of an effort to disguise and launder profits from an international drug trafficking network he reportedly ran alongside his brothers, Mohammed Saleem and Mydeen Gani. Notably, Sadiq launched Mydeen as the lead actor in an upcoming film titled Iraivan Miga Periyavan, directed by Ameer Sulthan.
According to the report by The New Indian Express, the ED’s investigation reveals that Sadiq established JSM Pictures, a partnership with his stepbrother Nagoor Kani, and JSM Pictures (OPC) Pvt Ltd around 2021, initiating six films under production. Director Ameer Sulthan, identified as Sadiq’s close associate for over a decade, allegedly played a significant role in guiding Sadiq’s entry into the film industry. Sadiq and Ameer were also business partners in Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd, a company set up to import and sell dry fruits in Chennai.
The probe uncovered that Sadiq utilized a middleman, AVS Marimuthu, to funnel ₹10 crore of illicit funds into JSM Pictures. Marimuthu reportedly distributed cash from Sadiq to various financiers, who then deposited the money into JSM Pictures’ account as loans, with interest rates of 9-12% over a three-month period. In return, financiers and Marimuthu earned a 3% commission, while multiple bank accounts belonging to Marwaris in North Chennai were used to facilitate these transactions, netting commissions between ₹30,000 and ₹2 lakh.
The ED searched Marimuthu’s premises after filing a money laundering case. During their investigation, they discovered a yellow diary and several Excel sheets at JSM Pictures, which revealed that actors and technicians working on Sadiq’s films were compensated with cash allegedly sourced from drug exports. The agency recorded ₹6.31 crore in cash payments for film-related expenses.
Additionally, the ED identified cash injections into films like Mayavalai and Iraivan Miga Periyavan, the former being co-produced by Sadiq and Ameer. The investigation also highlighted ₹3.3 crore in cash deposits in bank accounts associated with Ameer, suspected to be drug money from Sadiq’s operations, suggesting a deep financial link between Ameer, Sadiq, and his brothers.
Ameer has been named as the 12th accused in the ED’s chargesheet. Ameer tried to wash his hands off of Sadiq by claiming that he was unaware of Sadiq’s “other face” and also stated that the shooting of the film Iraivan Miga Periyavan was halted abruptly following the news of the ₹2000 crore drug bust. However, during launch function of his film “Iraivan Miga Periyavan” in February 2022, Ameer is seen saying Jaffer Sadiq is a distant relative of his. He also mentions that Sadiq had been requesting Ameer to direct a film under his banner for 5 years.
The ED has already attached assets worth ₹55.3 crore, including properties linked to Sadiq, his wife, and other associates. Ameer Sultan, is accused of benefiting from Sadiq’s illicit activities by investing the laundered funds into movies produced under his banner, JSM Pictures.
Director Ameer and Jaffer Sadiq have also launched a coffee shop named 4AMCoffee and Kitchen under the Mahyan Pvt Ltd incorporation at ECR near Chennai. The managing director of this organisation, Abdul Basith, is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd along with Jaffer Sadiq. Interestingly, Ameer is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd.
Jaffer Sadiq’s production company, JSM Pictures, currently has six films in various stages of development. These include Iraivan Miga Periyavan, directed by Ameer and starring Mydeen, and Mangai, helmed by Gubenthiran with Anandhi in the lead role. Another project, Indra, is directed by Sabari and features Vasanth Ravi. Additionally, there are two untitled films in the works—one directed and headlined by Dheena, and another directed by Vivek with Mydeen in a starring role. The sixth film, Maayavalai, is co-produced with Ameer, directed by Ramesh, and stars Satya. Interestingly, Sadiq’s X handle’s cover pic had 4 posters – the three mentioned above and a film named Maayavalai which is produced by Ameer’s own production house and co-produced by Vetrimaran’s Grass Root Film along with Jaffer Sadiq.
It is noteworthy that DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s wife Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi was the chief guest at the launch of a single from the film Mangai.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.