Telugu actor Vijay Deverakonda appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad today, August 6, 2025, in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the promotion of illegal online betting applications. The ED had previously registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 celebrities, including actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and several social media influencers, for allegedly promoting these platforms.
The investigation stems from a complaint filed by a businessman who alleged that these celebrities were paid significant sums to endorse betting apps through pop-up ads and other means on social media, misleading users into believing the platforms were legal and secure. The ED suspects that the celebrities endorsed online betting platforms such as Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365 in exchange for endorsement fees, and that substantial sums were moved through these promotional activities, potentially involving money laundering.
According to sources, some of the celebrities have claimed they were unaware of how the apps functioned and had no intention of promoting anything illegal or participating in any form of betting. Vijay Deverakonda's team released a statement clarifying that his endorsement was strictly confined to legally permitted online skill-based games and that he did not endorse any illegal betting platforms.
During his appearance before the ED, Vijay Deverakonda reportedly cooperated fully with the questioning. He was questioned about payments, promotional deals, and brand endorsements related to the betting apps in question. Sources close to the investigation indicate that Deverakonda clarified his role, stating that he had no knowledge of any illegality when he associated with certain brands.
The ED is investigating whether the celebrities knowingly or unknowingly endorsed the platforms, which could lead to charges of black money circulation or violations of forex regulations. The agency is also gathering more FIRs and seeking additional complainants who may have been defrauded by these betting platforms. A broader investigation is underway to determine the total amount of "proceeds of crime" generated by these platforms and to assess the precise involvement and culpability of each celebrity.
Several other celebrities have been summoned by the ED in connection with the case. Rana Daggubati was summoned to appear on July 23, Prakash Raj on July 30, and Manchu Lakshmi on August 13. The ED suspects that the celebrities promoted betting platforms such as Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365, which allegedly routed large sums of money. The list of those named in the ECIR includes actors Praneetha, Nidhi Agarwal, and television and media personalities such as Ananya Nagella, Siri Hanumanthu, Sreemukhi, Varshini Sounderajan, Vasanthi Krishnan, and Shoba Shetty.
The ED believes that some of the endorsements appeared in the form of entertainment or charitable content but were, in fact, targeted promotions for unregulated gambling. One complainant alleged a loss of over ₹3 crore after responding to a YouTube endorsement. Some of those named in the ECIR have denied any involvement, claiming they terminated their contracts after learning about the platforms' legal ambiguities.
The investigation is ongoing, and the ED will be examining the information gathered from Vijay Deverakonda and others involved in the case. Further summonses are expected as the investigation continues.
