Vijay Deverakonda appears before ED in betting app case
What's the story
Telugu film star Vijay Deverakonda appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on Wednesday as part of a money laundering investigation linked to illegal online betting and gambling. The central agency is probing actors and celebrities who allegedly endorsed these apps, which are believed to have generated illicit funds. This comes after actor Prakash Raj's appearance before the ED on July 30 in connection with the same case.
Investigation details
Deverakonda's statement to be recorded under PMLA
The ED is likely to record Deverakonda's statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) during his appearance. The agency has taken cognizance of five state police FIRs to register its case against these actors and several other celebrities and social media influencers. These individuals are suspected to have "endorsed" online betting apps for a celebrity or endorsement fee, according to ED sources.
Allegations
Actors claimed ignorance about apps and products they promoted
The online betting apps that these actors allegedly endorsed are believed to have generated "illicit" funds through illegal betting and gambling, amounting to crores of rupees. Some of these well-known individuals have previously claimed ignorance about the exact functioning of the apps and products they promoted. They also stated that they did not associate themselves with these platforms for any wrongdoing or illegal activity, like betting.
Career highlights
Other actors summoned in the case
Deverakonda, who debuted with the 2011 Telugu film Nuvvila, rose to fame with the 2017 blockbuster Arjun Reddy. He most recently starred in Kingdom. Apart from Raj and Deverakonda, actors Rana Daggubati and Lakshmi Manchu have also been summoned by the ED for questioning in this case.