Former Union minister P Chidambaram, who is currently trying to evade arrest in INX media case, has found himself running from pillar to post to appear in several corruption cases in the past few years.

He and his family's name has cropped up in several cases, including Aircel Maxis, INX Media, Diageo Scotland and Katara Holdings. These cases are being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The INX Media case relates to the investment of foreign funds in the company to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007. This investment was done in violation of the conditions set by the foreign investment promotion board (FIPB).

India Today TV has access to the details of the cases against Chidambaram, which give a glimpse into the alleged modus operandi followed by the former UPA minister.

Modus operandi

According to government sources, P Chidambaram’s modus operandi revolved around granting illegal foreign investment (FIPB) clearances to receive kickbacks. These kickbacks were allegedly often paid through various shell companies floated by his son Karti Chidambaram, sources said.

The investigating agencies have identified several such shell companies, registered in India and abroad. One of these shell companies had an investment of over Rs 300 crore.

The shell company owned by former minister's son Karti Chidambaram also received huge payments from a company located in British Virgin Island and this company had figured in Panama Papers as well.

Fund rerouting

The government sources said the money in the shell companies was rerouted to the Chidambaram's family and was used by them for personal expenses.

"The deposits in these shell companies have been used for meeting personal expenditure of P Chidambaram and Karti Chidambaram, opening and depositing money in more than 2 dozen foreign bank accounts and purchasing several properties in Malaysia, Spain, UK, etc," the sources said.

The money was allegedly rerouted to the family through P Chidambaram's grandaughter. The shareholders and directors of the main shell company have made their Will of transferring entire shareholding of the shell company to P Chidambaram's granddaughter and executor of the Will is Karti Chidambaram, they said.