Celebrities Under Scrutiny in Money Laundering Probe

In a notable development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu as part of a probe into money laundering tied to illegal online betting platforms. Official sources report that the actors are implicated in a wider investigation connected to these operations.

The actors have been directed to appear before ED officials in Hyderabad. Specifically, Daggubati is slated to appear on July 23, Raj on July 30, Deverakonda on August 6, and Lakshmi on August 13. These actors, according to officials, endorsed betting apps suspected of generating significant illicit funds.

The federal agency is building its case citing at least five FIRs from the state police, implicating celebrities and influencers. While some individuals claimed lack of knowledge about the platforms' operations, ED seeks to establish their potential roles in endorsing platforms like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365, allegedly involved in illegal activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)