Who Is Joby George? Malayalam Producer Sentenced To 4 Years In Jail For Fraud Case

Joby George Sentenced To Four Years In Jail: Malayalam film producer Joby George, known for backing several Malayalam films through the banner Goodwill Entertainments, has been sentenced to four years in prison in connection with a fraud case involving promises of UK visas and overseas opportunities.

According to a report by Manorama News, the verdict was delivered by the Special PMLA Court in Kochi in connection with two cases filed by complainants who alleged that the producer had taken money after promising to arrange UK visas and related opportunities. The court also directed Joby George to pay a total fine of ₹66.5 lakh.

One of the cases was based on a complaint filed by Rajesh Mathew, a resident of Muvattupuzha. As per the complaint, Joby George had collected ₹50 lakh in two instalments in 2011, assuring that he would arrange a visa for Rajesh to travel to the UK. The promised arrangements did not materialise. Later, in 2012, Joby reportedly issued a cheque for ₹25 lakh as part of returning the money. However, the cheque bounced, prompting Rajesh Mathew to approach the authorities with a complaint.

While delivering the judgment, the court observed that the actions suggested an intention to deceive the complainant from the outset. In this case, the court sentenced Joby George to two years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹50 lakh. The court also considered the role of Joby's wife, Sunimol, but acquitted her due to insufficient evidence linking her to the offence.

The second case involved a complaint from Biju Varghese and his wife Darley Biju, residents of Mulanthuruthy. They alleged that Joby George had collected money from them by promising business opportunities and educational arrangements in the United Kingdom. According to the complaint, the producer had assured them of a partnership in an off-licence shop in Newcastle, London, and also promised to arrange admission for Darley Biju to pursue a Business Information diploma course at LBA College in London.

However, after travelling to the UK, the couple reportedly realised that the promised arrangements did not exist. They later alleged that when they sought the return of their money, they were threatened.

In this case as well, the court sentenced Joby George to two years in prison and imposed a fine of ₹16.52 lakh. Across the two cases, the court sentenced Joby George to a total of four years in prison and imposed financial penalties amounting to ₹66.5 lakh.

Who Is Joby George?

Joby George is the owner of the production company Goodwill Entertainments, which has produced a number of Malayalam films over the years. Projects associated with the banner include Valathu Vashathe Kallan, Narayaneente Moonnaanmakkal, Kishkindha Kaandam, Veyil, Kaaval, Shylock, Kumbarees, Abrahaminte Santhathikal, Captain, Annmariya Kalippilaanu, Kasaba, Jo and the Boy, and Bangkok Summer.