The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a money laundering probe against over two dozen celebrities, including actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and several social media influencers and YouTubers from Telangana, in connection with alleged promotions of illegal online betting platforms, news agency PTI reported, citing official sources on Thursday.
The case, filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act ( PMLA), stems from at least five FIRs registered by state police in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the sources said.
These FIRs point to a network of betting apps accused of generating illicit revenue running into crores of rupees through unauthorised gambling operations.
A total of 29 public figures have been named in the ED’s case, including film personalities such as Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Ananya Nagalla, and TV host Sreemukhi, alongside popular regional influencers and content creators.
Investigators believe these celebrities endorsed platforms like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365 in return for promotional fees, without necessarily verifying the legal status of these services.
While some of those involved have claimed they were unaware of the true nature of the platforms, the ED is likely to record their statements in the coming days to determine the extent of their involvement.
Sources added that the agency is in the process of collecting additional complaints and FIRs to expand the scope of the investigation. The probe will focus on tracing the proceeds of crime and understanding how much money may have been laundered through promotional deals.
The ED is expected to assess each individual’s level of knowledge and intent before drawing conclusions about potential criminal liability, the sources said.
(With inputs from PTI)
The case, filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act ( PMLA), stems from at least five FIRs registered by state police in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the sources said.
These FIRs point to a network of betting apps accused of generating illicit revenue running into crores of rupees through unauthorised gambling operations.
A total of 29 public figures have been named in the ED’s case, including film personalities such as Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Ananya Nagalla, and TV host Sreemukhi, alongside popular regional influencers and content creators.
Investigators believe these celebrities endorsed platforms like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365 in return for promotional fees, without necessarily verifying the legal status of these services.
While some of those involved have claimed they were unaware of the true nature of the platforms, the ED is likely to record their statements in the coming days to determine the extent of their involvement.
Sources added that the agency is in the process of collecting additional complaints and FIRs to expand the scope of the investigation. The probe will focus on tracing the proceeds of crime and understanding how much money may have been laundered through promotional deals.
The ED is expected to assess each individual’s level of knowledge and intent before drawing conclusions about potential criminal liability, the sources said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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