Indian celebrity Rana Daggubati grilled in betting probe
Indian actor and film producer Rana Daggubati appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a law enforcement and economic intelligence agency, in Hyderabad on Monday as part of a money laundering investigation linked to illegal online betting and gambling platforms. The questioning comes after the federal agency summoned four actors last month for separate appearances at its zonal office, according to news agency PTI.
Multiple actors under ED scanner
The ED had earlier questioned actors Prakash Raj and Vijay Deverakonda, while Lakshmi Manchu is also expected to appear. According to official sources, the actors allegedly endorsed online betting applications that are under investigation for generating illicit funds. The ED is recording their statements under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Case based on multiple FIRs
The investigation stems from five state police FIRs, which the ED reviewed before registering its own case. Officials suspect that several celebrities and social media influencers were paid to promote these platforms. The platforms are accused of laundering crores of rupees through unlawful betting and gambling activities.
Deverakonda clarifies stance
In a recent statement, Vijay Deverakonda said he had endorsed a gaming application that he believed was licensed and recognised by the government. He stated that such businesses operate legally in India.
The ED’s probe is ongoing, with more witnesses and persons of interest likely to be questioned as the agency investigates the financial trails of the suspected betting operations.
Prakash Raj before ED
In July, veteran Indian actor Prakash Raj appeared before the ED, 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
