Vijay Deverakonda appears before ED in online betting money laundering probe

Popular Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on August 6, in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to illegal online betting platforms. The central agency had summoned the actor to its zonal office in Hyderabad for questioning under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

According to sources, Deverakonda is being questioned over his association with certain online gaming and betting apps that allegedly operated illegally and were involved in laundering large sums of money. The ED is investigating whether celebrities, including Deverakonda, were paid hefty endorsement fees to promote these platforms, which are accused of generating illicit revenue.

The ongoing probe stems from multiple FIRs registered by state police departments across the country, which flagged suspicious activities by these platforms and the role of high-profile brand ambassadors. The ED is now looking into possible violations under the PMLA, especially concerning money trails and the sources of funds paid to influencers and actors.

Deverakonda, who gained widespread recognition with his 2017 film Arjun Reddy, is one among several celebrities summoned in this high-profile case. Actor Prakash Raj was questioned by the ED on July 30, and others like Rana Daggubati and Lakshmi Manchu have also received notices.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that some of the celebrities under scrutiny have claimed they were unaware of the illicit nature of the apps they endorsed. They maintain that they were hired for marketing purposes and did not engage in or support any illegal activities related to online betting or gambling.

The ED is currently verifying the financial transactions and contracts signed by these public figures to determine their level of involvement. With the online betting and gaming sector under increasing regulatory scrutiny in India, the case has brought renewed focus to the accountability of celebrities who promote such platforms without thorough due diligence.

The investigation is ongoing, and further summons or actions may follow based on the findings of the agency.