Businessman Raj Kundra’s residence and offices were raided today by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of an investigation into money laundering linked to the production and distribution of adult content via mobile apps.
Kundra, who is married to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, has been under investigation for months. The ED is looking into his alleged involvement in a scheme that profited from explicit content streamed through the now-defunct ‘Hotshots’ app. The app, which was available on platforms like Apple and Google Play, was removed after facing legal and public backlash.
The ED also conducted raids on other individuals connected to the case. The investigation has reportedly uncovered financial trails that suggest the laundering of money made from the adult content distributed through mobile apps.
ED Raids on Raj Kundra’s Properties
On Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at the homes of several people, including Raj Kundra, a well-known businessman and the husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. The searches were carried out at about 15 different locations in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh.
These raids are part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering. The case is related to accusations that Raj Kundra was involved in producing and distributing pornographic content through mobile apps. The ED is looking into whether any illegal financial activities were linked to this alleged operation.
The ED’s investigation began after the Mumbai police filed a case against Raj Kundra in 2021. The police accused him of being involved in the production of adult films without legal permission.
To give some background, Raj Kundra was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in July 2021. He was charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act for his alleged role in the production of pornographic content. After his arrest, he was granted bail by a local court. The current ED investigation is a continuation of these earlier legal actions.
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Raj Kundra’s Legal Troubles
Mr. Raj Kundra, a well-known businessman, has been involved in several legal controversies in the past. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2021 when he was arrested by the Mumbai police. The case was related to the distribution of obscene material, and he was later released on bail.
In addition to this, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which investigates financial crimes, is looking into Mr. Kundra’s possible involvement in a crypto-ponzi scheme. This scheme was led by Amit Bhardwaj, who is known for being the mastermind behind the notorious Gain Bitcoin scam. The scam promised investors high returns on Bitcoin investments but ultimately led to significant financial losses.
Earlier this year, the ED took action by attaching (seizing) assets worth ₹98 crore from both Mr. Kundra and actress Shilpa Shetty, his wife. The ED claims that these assets were bought using money earned through illegal activities, including the Gain Bitcoin scam. This investigation is ongoing, and the authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the alleged financial misconduct.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why did the Enforcement Directorate raid Raj Kundra’s properties?
Ans. The ED raided his properties as part of an investigation into money laundering related to the production and distribution of adult content via mobile apps.
Q.2. What is the Hotshots app, and how is Raj Kundra connected to it?
Ans. The Hotshots app was used for streaming explicit content. Raj Kundra is being investigated for his alleged involvement in profiting from this app before it was removed due to legal issues.
Q.3. What legal troubles has Raj Kundra faced in the past?
Ans. Raj Kundra was arrested in 2021 for his alleged role in producing and distributing adult films without legal permission. He was later granted bail.
Q.4. How is Raj Kundra connected to the Gain Bitcoin scam?
Ans. The ED is investigating Kundra’s alleged involvement in a crypto-ponzi scheme linked to the Gain Bitcoin scam, which caused significant financial losses to investors.
Q.5. What action has the ED taken against Raj Kundra?
Ans. The ED has raided multiple properties linked to Raj Kundra and attached assets worth ₹98 crore, which they claim were acquired through illegal activities, including the Gain Bitcoin scam.
