Tollywood Stars Grilled in Betting App Scam Probe

Veteran actor Prakash Raj, 60, faced intense scrutiny as he appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on Wednesday, July 30, for questioning in a high-profile money laundering case tied to illegal online betting platforms. The probe, which has sent shockwaves through the Telugu film industry, also involves actors Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu, all summoned for allegedly endorsing betting apps like Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365, which are accused of generating illicit funds worth crores.

The ED’s investigation stems from five state police FIRs, including a key complaint filed by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma at Hyderabad’s Miyapur Police Station in March 2025. Sarma alleged that celebrities, including Raj and Daggubati for promoting Junglee Rummy and Deverakonda for endorsing A23, used their influence to lure vulnerable youth into illegal gambling, leading to financial distress. The agency registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) on July 10, naming 29 celebrities and influencers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Prakash Raj, known for his roles in Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil cinema, arrived at the ED’s zonal office to record his statement. Sources indicate the agency is probing financial transactions and endorsement contracts to determine the extent of the actors’ involvement. Raj, in a prior X post, clarified he promoted a gaming app in 2016 but withdrew in 2017 after ethical concerns, denying any recent endorsements.

Also Read: ED Raids Uncover Rs 550 Crore Chhattisgarh Medical Supply Scam

Rana Daggubati, 40, was initially summoned for July 23 but sought deferment due to a film shoot, with a new date set for August 11. Vijay Deverakonda, 36, and Lakshmi Manchu, 47, are scheduled to appear on August 6 and 13, respectively. The ED alleges these platforms, banned under Telangana’s stringent Gaming (Amendment) Act, 2017, defrauded users through deceptive ads promising quick profits.

The investigation highlights a broader crackdown on unregulated betting apps, with the ED also summoning tech giants Google and Meta for enabling their promotion. As the probe deepens, it raises questions about celebrity accountability in endorsements, with financial trails under scrutiny to uncover potential money laundering networks.

Also Read: ED Chargesheet Targets Ex-UCO Bank CMD Goel, Rs 106 Crore Assets Attached