ED books actors, influencers for ‘promoting’ illegal betting apps

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case to look into the role of more than 25 celebrities, including actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj and several social media influencers, for allegedly promoting illegal online betting platforms, official sources said on Thursday.

The agency registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), based on at least five FIRs filed by the Telangana Police. The complaints allege that betting apps such as Junglee Rummy, JeetWin and Lotus365 generated illicit revenues worth crores of rupees.

According to sources, 29 well-known individuals have been named in the ED case, including actors Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhhi Agerwal, Pranitha Subhash, Ananya Nagalla and television personality Sreemukhi. Several regional YouTubers and influencers are also under the scanner.

The ED suspects that these personalities endorsed or promoted the betting platforms in return for lucrative endorsement deals and appearance fees, despite the platforms violating Indian gambling laws.

Some of the celebrities have reportedly claimed ignorance of the platforms’ illegal nature, asserting that their involvement was limited to commercial endorsements without intent to abet wrongdoing.

The agency is now summoning those named in the case to record their statements and verify their involvement. More complainants are being identified as part of the expanding investigation.

A senior ED official said the current focus is to establish the extent of the “proceeds of crime” and determine whether any of the celebrities knowingly facilitated or profited from the illegal operations. “Their culpability will be assessed after their statements are recorded and digital evidence examined,” the official added.