ED summons Raj Kundra for questioning in money laundering case – India News

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned businessman Raj Kundra for questioning in a money laundering case related to alleged illegal distribution of pornographic content. Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, has been asked to appear before the investigating officer this week, official sources confirmed on Sunday. Other people connected to the case have also been subpoenaed.

The ED recently raided Kundra’s premises in Mumbai as well as properties belonging to other people in Uttar Pradesh on December 29. Kundra, who has been under investigation for the past four years, said on Saturday that he is “fully compliant” with the ongoing probe.

Kundra’s lawyer, in a statement to PTI, clarified that the action is not against Shilpa Shetty and emphasized that Kundra is cooperating to ensure that the truth comes out. The case stems from charges filed by Mumbai police in May 2022 based on at least two FIRs and chargesheets against Kundra and others involved in the alleged porn film racket. Kundra and several other accused were arrested in connection with the case but were later granted bail.

This is the second one money laundering case against Kundra. Earlier this year, the ED had attached assets worth Rs 98 crore belonging to Kundra and Shetty in a cryptocurrency– related case. The couple got relief from the Bombay High Court, which set aside the attachment order.

In 2021, Kundra told a local court in Mumbai that there was no evidence linking him to the creation of the alleged pornographic content, which was allegedly distributed through the “Hotshots” app. The app was used by those involved in the illegal activity to upload and transmit obscene content. Kundra denied active participation in the creation of such material, claiming that he was falsely implicated.

According to the investigation, some small actors were lured by promises of roles in web series or short stories, but were later forced to perform semi-nude or nude scenes against their will. The police investigation revealed several apps, including ‘Hotshots’, which were being used to distribute adult content.

Kundra’s company, Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd, allegedly worked with London-based Kenrin Pvt Ltd to acquire the Hotshots app, which was then used to upload objectionable videos. WhatsApp Chats found on Kundra’s phone included discussions of financial transactions related to the sale of adult films, including one in which he discussed selling 119 films for $1.2 million.