Hyderabad: Actor Prakash Raj appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on Wednesday for questioning in a money laundering probe linked to betting app promotions. Officials examined his bank accounts and questioned him for five hours regarding his financial dealings and promotional involvement.
According to sources, the ED asked Raj about the timing and reasons for endorsing the betting app. He reportedly stated that he promoted the app in 2016 and was unaware it was inappropriate. When approached again five years later to promote it a second time, he claimed to have refused.
The ED questioned whether he received any compensation for the 2016 endorsement. Raj reportedly denied receiving payment, but failed to provide a clear explanation for why he promoted the app without a fee. Authorities scrutinised his bank transactions during the session.
After exiting the ED office, Raj spoke briefly to reporters. “I informed ED officials that I did not accept payment for promoting the betting app. They reviewed my bank records. As a citizen, I cooperated fully with the investigation. They did not summon me again. Please, I request everyone not to engage in betting,” he said.
The ED is investigating allegations that several celebrities promoted betting apps in exchange for payments linked to hawala and money laundering networks. Multiple film personalities facing similar allegations have already been questioned.
