ED files case against 29 celebrities including Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj in betting app scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has officially lodged an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 celebrities, including actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj, in connection with an alleged illegal online betting app scam, following an FIR filed by Cyberabad Police earlier this year.

The FIR accuses these personalities—comprising actors, social media influencers, and anchors—of actively promoting betting apps through pop-up ads and digital endorsements, potentially misleading consumers and facilitating unlawful gambling.

Reportedly, Deverakonda promoted A23, while Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj were involved with Junglee Rummy; other celebrities endorsed apps like Yolo 247, Fairplay, and Jeet Win.

An India Today source indicates that financial transactions and digital footprints are under scrutiny, with ED tracing possible money laundering routes through these fan-driven campaigns.

Addressing the allegations publicly, Prakash Raj clarified on X that he promoted a gaming app in 2016 but disengaged in 2017 upon realizing its inappropriate nature—emphasizing his withdrawal from such promotions since.

Rana Daggubati’s legal team stated his endorsement of a skill-based platform ended in 2017, and was always limited to legally permissible regions, aligning with Supreme Court precedents distinguishing skill games from gambling.

The ED action signals growing enforcement against celeb-backed digital gambling schemes, reflecting broader efforts to curb illicit online betting.