Actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, following a summons related to a case involving the alleged promotion of illegal online betting apps. The ED has been actively investigating a money laundering case linked to these apps, focusing on the financial transactions and promotional activities of various celebrities and influencers.
The case originated from a complaint filed in March 2025 by P.M. Phanindra Sarma, who alleged that numerous young individuals were being drawn to online betting due to endorsements by celebrities on social media platforms. Sarma claimed that these platforms were targeting vulnerable people with promises of easy returns, ultimately leading them into debt.
The ED has filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against 29 individuals, including actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu, in addition to Prakash Raj. These actors are accused of promoting illegal betting apps on social media platforms. The probe agency suspects that these celebrities endorsed online betting apps like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365 in exchange for endorsement fees, which are alleged to have generated illicit funds worth crores of rupees through illegal betting and gambling.
Prakash Raj's association with Junglee Rummy is under scrutiny. The complainant, Sarma, alleged that the actor's endorsement of the platform contributed to its reach and appeal. However, Prakash Raj has clarified that he had initially agreed to do an advertisement for Junglee Rummy in June 2016 but became uncomfortable with the app's nature shortly after. Despite his discomfort, he was unable to retract his endorsement due to a one-year contract. Raj stated that he discontinued his association with the app after realizing its negative impact on users.
The Enforcement Directorate has issued summons to several other actors in connection with the same case. Rana Daggubati was summoned to appear on July 23, Vijay Deverakonda on August 6, and Lakshmi Manchu on August 13. Rana Daggubati, however, sought an alternate date. The ED will record the statements of these individuals under the provisions of the PMLA to determine the extent of their involvement and the flow of funds.
The ED's investigation is based on multiple FIRs filed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The agency suspects that the endorsements of these platforms facilitated the laundering of large sums of money through paid promotions. The investigation aims to determine the total proceeds of crime and assess the culpability of each celebrity involved.
In addition to the actors mentioned above, other film and television personalities, including Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Ananya Nagella, Sreemukhi, Shyamala, and Varshini Sounderajan, are also under scrutiny. Officials from Meta and Google were also summoned to appear before the ED to provide information regarding advertisements for illegal betting platforms on their platforms.
