The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned four prominent film personalities — Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu — in connection with a money laundering case linked to illegal online betting and gambling platforms.
According to sources, the ED has asked Daggubati to appear before its Hyderabad zonal office on July 23, followed by Prakash Raj on July 30. Vijay Deverakonda has been summoned on August 6, and Lakshmi Manchu on August 13.
The agency alleges that the four actors “endorsed” betting apps that were allegedly involved in generating “illicit” funds through illegal online gambling operations. Their statements will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The case stems from at least five FIRs filed by state police forces, which the ED has taken cognisance of to initiate its own investigation. According to officials quoted by PTI, the platforms under scrutiny are suspected to have generated crores of rupees in illegal proceeds.
In earlier statements to investigating agencies, some of the celebrities have reportedly claimed that they were unaware of the nature or true functioning of the platforms they were promoting, and denied knowingly participating in any unlawful activity.
The case traces back to a complaint filed in March at the Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma, who accused 25 celebrities and influencers — including the four actors now summoned — of promoting illegal betting apps via social media.
The complaint flagged what it called a growing and dangerous trend of celebrity endorsements of gambling apps, potentially misleading fans and violating laws governing betting and financial fraud.
