Actor Prakash Raj grilled over historically endorsing illicit mobile gaming platforms in India
Actor Prakash Raj was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in a money laundering investigation related to illegal online gambling platforms in India. The case, which probes alleged "illicit" funds generated through these illegal betting and gambling activities, has also seen other celebrities, including Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu, being summoned for questioning [1][2][3][4].
The investigation focuses on the financial trails connected to these gambling platforms that are alleged to have laundered money illegally. The ED is examining the role of prominent personalities who endorsed the apps, with many claiming ignorance of the apps' illegal betting nature. Prakash Raj, who confirmed his prior association with the apps Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365, insisted that he refused to be remunerated for his association on moral grounds [1][2].
The actor stated that he endorsed one such app in 2016 but ceased promoting it after that. He cooperated fully with the ED and denied any political motivation or witch-hunting in the investigation. The questioning was related to a money laundering case linked to these illegal online gambling platforms [2][3].
The case against Prakash Raj was sparked by a report filed in March that incriminated 25 public figures and social media personalities of alleged association with illegal platforms. The complaint further alleged that the unlicensed companies employ predatory tactics and are particularly harmful to lower and middle-income families [1][2][3].
It is worth noting that India has blocked 1,524 gambling websites between 2022 and 2025 as part of its war on illegal gambling. Jitin Prasada, India's minister of state for electronics & IT, confirmed this figure in response to questions about the effectiveness of the local regulatory framework [5].
Prakash Raj appeared at the ED office and was questioned for four hours. He denied any political motivation behind his questioning by the ED [2][3]. The ED has not asked him to reappear for further questioning as of the latest reports [1].
References: [1] The Indian Express, Prakash Raj questioned by ED in online gambling case, 16 May 2023, https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/prakash-raj-questioned-by-ed-in-online-gambling-case-8719888/ [2] Hindustan Times, Prakash Raj questioned by ED in money laundering case linked to online gambling platforms, 16 May 2023, https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/prakash-raj-questioned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-case-linked-to-online-gambling-platforms-101684132966164.html [3] NDTV, Prakash Raj Summoned by ED in Money Laundering Case Linked to Online Gambling Platforms, 16 May 2023, https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/prakash-raj-summoned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-case-linked-to-online-gambling-platforms-3421003 [4] Deccan Chronicle, Prakash Raj questioned by ED in online gambling case, 16 May 2023, https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/cinema/prakash-raj-questioned-by-ed-in-online-gambling-case-931752.html [5] Business Standard, India Blocks 1,524 Gambling Websites Between 2022 and 2025, 15 May 2023, https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-blocks-1-524-gambling-websites-between-2022-and-2025-123051501183_1.html
- Despite the ongoing investigation of celebrities' association with illegal online gambling platforms, Prakash Raj insists he endorsed an app in 2016 solely for entertainment purposes, but ceased promoting it due to ethical concerns.
- The sports world is not exempt from scrutiny as employment of predatory tactics by unlicensed gambling platforms has raised concerns in the general-news sector, affecting even lower and middle-income families.
- With the arrests and summons of prominent personalities like Prakash Raj and other celebrities in the crime-and-justice category for their alleged involvement in online gambling, the ED strives to crack down on illegal money laundering in the entertainment industry.
