Vijay Deverakonda appears before ED: Actor questioned in online betting-linked PMLA case; Rana Daggubati, Lakshmi Manchu also summoned
Vijay Deverakonda
appeared before the
Enforcement Directorate
(ED) in the capital on Wednesday in connection with a money laundering probe linked to illegal online betting and gambling platforms.
The Liger star was summoned to the ED's zonal office as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged promotion of betting apps that reportedly generated "illicit" funds.
Earlier this week, actor Prakash Raj was also questioned in the same case, appearing before the agency on July 30. The ED has additionally summoned Rana Daggubati and Lakshmi Manchu, among others, in connection with the probe.
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According to sources, the actors allegedly "endorsed" online betting platforms suspected of laundering money through illegal gambling activities. The ED's case is based on at least five FIRs filed by various state police departments.
The agency is expected to record the statements of the actors under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Deverakonda, a Hyderabad-born actor who rose to fame with the 2017 blockbuster Arjun Reddy, made his debut in the 2011 Telugu film Nuvvila.
Sources said to news agency PTI that some of the celebrities have claimed they were unaware of the true nature of the platforms they promoted and denied any involvement in illegal betting.
(With agency inputs)
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