• Source:JND
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On Wednesday, actor Vijay Deverakonda appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in a money laundering case linked to alleged illegal online betting and gambling platforms. The ED is investigating several celebrities and influencers who reportedly endorsed online betting apps like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin and Lotus365, suspected of generating illicit funds worth crores. Deverakonda, along with other actors like Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj and Lakshmi Manchu, was summoned by the ED as part of the probe. The agency recorded Deverakonda's statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

New agency ANI shared a video featuring Vijay Deverakonda entering the Enforcement Directorate office in Basheerbagh, Hyderabad.

As reported by ANI, speaking outside the ED office, Vijay Deverakonda stated, "This was about something I did back in 2016. On moral grounds, I did not continue with it and I didn’t take any payment either. I gave the officers all the information they needed. As a citizen, I believe in cooperating when the law calls." Vijay also clarified that there was no political motive or pressure involved in the summons.

On July 30, actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad for questioning in the case. After a five-hour grilling, Raj stated that he was offered money in 2016 to promote certain betting apps, but he refused on moral grounds and didn't receive any payment. He cooperated with the ED officials, providing them with all necessary information and assured that his appearance was not driven by any "witch-hunting or political motivation".

Besides Raj, the ED had also summoned actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda and Lakshmi Manchu for questioning in the case. The actors had "endorsed" online betting apps allegedly involved in generating "illicit" funds, according to official sources.

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During their appearance, the agency is expected to record the statements of the actors under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED had taken cognisance of as many as five state police FIRs to register its case against these actors and a number of other celebrities and social media influencers.

These individuals are suspected to have "endorsed" online betting apps for celebrity or endorsement fee, ED sources said. These platforms are alleged to have generated "illicit" funds through illegal betting and gambling, worth crores of rupees, they said.

ALSO READ: Prakash Raj Appears Before ED In Money Laundering Case, Clarifies 'No Political Motivation'

Some of these "well-known" persons, the sources said, have earlier stated that they did not know the exact functioning of the apps and products dished out by them and claimed that they did not associate themselves with these platforms for any wrongdoing or illegal activity like betting.

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