Why Has the ED Booked 29 Celebrities for Endorsing Betting Apps?

Hyderabad, July 10 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate has initiated legal action against 29 celebrities in the Telugu regions for their endorsements of betting applications.

The central agency has lodged an ECIR against actors, influencers, and YouTubers for allegedly promoting illegal betting platforms, contravening the Public Gambling Act of 1867.

This investigation, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, was prompted by five FIRs filed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Among those facing scrutiny are film stars Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, and Ananya Nagella.

Additionally, television personalities and social media influencers such as Sreemukhi, Shyamala, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, Shoba Shetty, Amrutha Chowdary, Nayani Pavani, Neha Pathan, Pandu, Padhmavathi, Harsha Sai, and Bayya Sunny Yadav are also named in the allegations.

Previously, many of these celebrities faced legal action from the Hyderabad and Cyberabad Police. FIRs were lodged against them at various police stations including Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet, and Visakhapatnam.

The ED suspects that these endorsements for platforms such as Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365 are linked to the laundering of substantial amounts through paid promotions.

The ECIR is filed under sections 318 (4), 112 r/w 49, and sections 3, 3 (A), 4 of the Telangana Gaming Act, along with the IT Act of 2000 and 2008 section 66D.

In March, Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and others were already under investigation by the Cyberabad Police for their alleged promotion of betting applications. They have since asserted that they are not endorsing any illegal apps.

While Rana Daggubati and Vijay Deverakonda claimed their endorsements were solely for legally sanctioned skill-based online games, Prakash Raj mentioned he had not renewed a contract to promote an app in 2017 upon realizing it was inappropriate.

A case involving six actors and 19 social media influencers was filed at the Miyapur Police Station of the Cyberabad Commissionerate in March.

The police took action based on a complaint from Phanidra Sharma, a local resident, who alleged that numerous celebrities and influencers were actively promoting illegal betting apps and platforms. The complainant emphasized that such promotions are detrimental to individuals and society, as they foster addictive and risky behavior that can lead to financial troubles.