ED files case against 29 celebrities, including Prakash Raj over betting app promotions

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case against 29 individuals, including actors, influencers, and content creators, for allegedly promoting illegal betting applications. The case is based on an FIR registered by the Cyberabad Police in March this year, following a complaint from businessman Phaneendra Sharma.

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The FIR accused several celebrities of endorsing betting apps that have reportedly caused financial losses to thousands, particularly from the middle class. According to the complaint, these celebrities received payments to promote the apps through videos and social media posts, encouraging users to participate in online betting.

Prominent names in the list include actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Pranitha Subhash, Nidhhi Agerwal, and TV personalities like Sreemukhi, Siri Hanumanth, Varshini Sounderajan, and Harsha Sai. YouTubers and influencers such as Tasty Teja and Local Boy Nani have also been named.

The ED registered the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is investigating suspected unlawful fund transfers linked to these betting apps. Operators of the apps, individuals like Kiran Goud, and social media figures Ajay, Sunny, and Sudheer are also under scrutiny.

The apps in question are alleged to have exploited users with false promises of easy money, leading to serious financial distress among many.