Actor Prakash Raj Faces ED Inquiry Over Online Betting Links

Actor Prakash Raj appeared before Enforcement Directorate officials in Hyderabad for questioning on July 30.Officials summoned him regarding a money laundering investigation linked to illegal online betting platforms recently.The actor, popular in South Indian films, visited the ED’s zonal office as per notice. ED registered the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for further investigation. The agency began inquiries after receiving multiple FIRs from five different state police departments recently.

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ED Summons Other Celebrities Alongside Prakash Raj

Besides Prakash Raj, ED also summoned Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu for questioning.Rana Daggubati received a summon for July 23 but sought a deferment due to schedule.
Officials granted Mr Daggubati a new appearance date, rescheduling his hearing for August 11 instead. ED has asked Deverakonda to appear on August 6 and Lakshmi on August 13.These actors allegedly endorsed online betting apps and received celebrity endorsement fees, ED sources revealed.

Some actors claimed ignorance regarding the apps’ inner functioning and alleged illegal betting activities online.They stated they assumed the apps were legal entertainment platforms, not gambling operations using real money.Officials recorded their preliminary statements, which will help determine the extent of their actual involvement.

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Celebrities Claimed No Knowledge of App Operations

The actors reportedly promoted platforms like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365 on digital and media platforms.Authorities suspect these apps generated illicit funds through illegal online betting and gambling operations recently.According to ED,these apps attracted users through celebrity endorsements, increasing their digital presence nationwide.Officials believe celebrities unknowingly contributed to money laundering through such promotional activities unknowingly or unintentionally. Enforcement Directorate is verifying the actors’ financial transactions related to these platforms and sponsorship agreements.

Statements from celebrities will support the investigation into how such apps operated across Indian states.The Enforcement Directorate plans to expand the investigation to include influencers, agencies, and digital advertisers involved.Sources said ED will trace the money trail connected to celebrity endorsements and platform revenues.Agencies are verifying if celebrities paid proper taxes on amounts earned through endorsements of betting platforms.ED also aims to find out whether any of these promotional deals violated Indian advertising regulations.The investigation is ongoing, and further action will depend on evidence collected from all involved parties.

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