Indian actor Prakash Raj questioned in celebrity gambling app probe
Authorities are investigating high-profile endorsements for illegal betting platforms.
India.- The Indian actor Prakash Raj has appeared before India’s financial crime agency, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), in Hyderabad as part of an investigation into illegal online betting platforms.
The case under India’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) centres on whether celebrity endorsements were used to legitimise and promote unregulated gambling. The ED is investigating several actors and social media influencers for over promotions for platforms such as Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365.
The investigation stems from police complaints in the Indian states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and has so far named 29 individuals. Raj is a prominent figure in South Indian cinema. Others under investigation include actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu. Some celebrities have denied knowledge of the apps’ illegal nature, claiming they were contracted for standard brand endorsements.
Authorities are also examining the role of digital advertising giants, including Google and Meta, in hosting or distributing promotional content.
