Indian celebrity appears before authorities in betting probe
Veteran Indian actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement agency of the Government of India, in Hyderabad on Wednesday in connection with a probe into illegal online betting platforms. The agency is investigating whether celebrity endorsements helped controversial gambling apps gain public trust while allegedly laundering large amounts of money.
ED investigates alleged money laundering
The ED is conducting the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The probe focuses on betting apps such as Junglee Rummy, JeetWin and Lotus365. These platforms are suspected of running unlawful operations under the cover of online gaming.
Officials believe high-profile endorsements may have played a role in legitimising these platforms and attracting users. According to PTI, five FIRs filed by various state police forces have formed the basis of the ongoing investigation.
Celebrities under the scanner
Along with Prakash Raj, other well-known film personalities have been summoned. Actor Rana Daggubati, initially scheduled to appear on 23 July, has been given a revised date of 11 August. Actor Vijay Deverakonda has been asked to appear on 6 August, and actress Lakshmi Manchu on 13 August.
All four actors reportedly endorsed the apps in question and were paid celebrity endorsement fees. However, the ED is now examining whether these public figures were aware of the platforms’ alleged illegal operations.
Claims of ignorance
Sources say some of the celebrities have claimed they were unaware of the apps’ real business practices. They have stated they were not informed that the platforms were involved in gambling or the routing of unaccounted money.
Investigators believe that influencer marketing was used as a front to give credibility to these platforms and reach a wider user base. The ED is now verifying the money trail and looking into whether any proceeds of crime were masked through brand endorsements.
The case remains open as more witnesses and digital evidence are being examined.
Google executives questioned under PMLA
Recently, ED summoned representatives from Google and Meta earlier in July as part of its probe into how illegal betting platforms were advertised on digital platforms. While both companies were initially called on 21 July, only Google executives appeared before the agency after requesting more time to gather relevant documents.
The ED has reportedly recorded the statement of a designated compliance officer from Google under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency has also obtained certain documents from the tech giant as part of the investigation.
According to PTI, a Google spokesperson said, “We are committed to keeping our platforms safe and secure, prohibiting the promotion of illegal gambling ads. We are extending our full support and cooperation to investigating agencies to hold bad actors responsible and keep users safe.”
Focus on Mahadev Online Book and other platforms
The ED is currently handling over a dozen cases related to illegal betting operations, with Mahadev Online Book being one of the most high-profile targets. The platform is suspected of operating from outside India, with key individuals believed to be based in Chhattisgarh.
According to sources, these platforms were not only bypassing legal and tax regulations but were also involved in large-scale money laundering and tax evasion.
