Hyderabad: ED books 29 Tollywood actors, influencers, YouTubers for endorsing illegal betting platforms

Hyderabad: Enforcement Directorate (ED) has booked as many as 29 actors, influencers, and YouTubers for allegedly endorsing illegal betting platforms.

The celebrities are accused of violating the Public Gambling Act, 1867, by promoting betting apps that have caused heavy financial losses to the public.

Five FIRs spark ED Investigation

The crackdown comes after five FIRs were registered at Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet, and Visakhapatnam police stations. Complainants alleged that celebrity endorsements directly influenced people’s gambling habits, leading to addiction and financial distress.

Tollywood big names under ED radar

Among those under investigation are Tollywood actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, Manchu Lakshmi, and popular TV hosts Sreemukhi and Shyamala. YouTubers like Harsha Sai, Bayya Sunny Yadav, and Local Boi Nani have also been named in the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) filed by the ED.

Betting platforms promoted

The celebrities allegedly promoted platforms such as Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365 through paid advertisements, social media posts, and videos. The ED suspects large-scale money laundering through these promotions disguised as entertainment or charitable initiatives.

Complainants report massive losses

Complainants like Phanindra Sarma and Vinay Vangala stated that these promotions encouraged gambling addictions among followers. Another victim, Puli Kumar Reddy, claimed he lost over Rs 3 crore after being influenced by YouTube ads endorsing such apps.

Celebrities deny allegations

Those named in the probe have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they terminated promotional contracts over ethical concerns. However, the ED is likely to issue summons to the celebrities soon to record their statements as part of the ongoing investigation.