Hyderabad:  The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated action against 29 actors, influencers, and YouTubers for allegedly promoting illegal betting platforms.

These celebrities are accused of breaching the Public Gambling Act of 1867 by endorsing betting applications that have resulted in significant financial losses for the public.

Five FIRs Trigger ED Investigation

This enforcement action follows the registration of five FIRs at police stations in Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet, and Visakhapatnam. Complainants have claimed that endorsements by celebrities have a direct impact on individuals’ gambling behaviors, contributing to addiction and financial hardship.

Tollywood Celebrities Under ED Scrutiny

Among those being investigated are prominent Tollywood figures such as Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, along with well-known TV personalities Sreemukhi and Shyamala. Additionally, YouTubers including Harsha Sai, Bayya Sunny Yadav, and Local Boi Nani have been mentioned in the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) submitted by the ED.

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The celebrities are accused of endorsing platforms like Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365 through paid ads, social media content, and videos. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) suspects that these promotions are part of a large-scale money laundering operation, disguised as entertainment or charitable activities.

Complainants have reported significant financial losses.

Individuals such as Phanindra Sarma and Vinay Vangala have indicated that these promotions have fostered gambling addictions among their followers. Another victim, Puli Kumar Reddy, reported a loss exceeding Rs 3 crore after being swayed by YouTube advertisements promoting these applications.

Celebrities refute the allegations.

Those implicated in the investigation have denied any misconduct, claiming they ended their promotional agreements due to ethical issues. Nevertheless, the ED is expected to issue summons to these celebrities shortly to gather their statements as part of the ongoing inquiry.