The ED's latest operation, which involved raids at 15 locations
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on several properties owned by Raj Kundra.
The searches are part of the agency’s investigation into the pornography case and allegations of money laundering against the businessman.
It is reported that the money laundering case is linked to an FIR filed against Kundra in 2021.
Allegedly, Kundra was running a pornography racket.
Raj Kundra was arrested in June 2021 and spent a few months in jail before being granted bail in September 2021.
The ED’s latest operation, which involved raids at 15 locations in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, is part of their continued inquiry.
They looked into the role of various individuals, including Kundra, in the distribution of adult content via mobile apps and other platforms.
The money laundering case stems from Kundra’s alleged involvement in creating and circulating pornographic content through subscription-based mobile apps like HotHit Movies and Hotshots.
According to investigators, Raj Kundra established a company, Armsprime Media Limited, in February 2019, and developed the app.
It was later sold to a UK-based company called Kenrin. The CEO of Kenrin, Pradeep Bakshi, is Raj Kundra’s brother-in-law.
As part of the operation, Kundra’s company, Viaan Industries, allegedly facilitated the maintenance of the app.
Large sums of money were transferred through 13 bank accounts under Viaan Industries.
Reports suggest that the Hotshots app became a platform for pornographic films produced in India, which were uploaded for subscription-based access.
Revenue generated from these subscriptions allegedly flowed into Kundra’s accounts through various channels, including those based in the UK.
The ED has charged Kundra with offences related to the production and dissemination of obscene material, with violations under multiple legal provisions.
This includes the Indian Penal Code, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Act, and the Information Technology Act.
Kundra has denied these allegations since his arrest, maintaining his innocence in the case.
Further complicating matters, Kundra is also under investigation for a separate case involving Bitcoin fraud, linked to an individual named Ajay Bhardwaj.
This investigation is being pursued alongside the money laundering charges in relation to the pornography case.
Following the news of the ED’s raid, Shilpa Shetty’s lawyer issued a statement rejecting reports that suggested she was part of the investigation.
The statement clarified that there was no raid at Shetty’s residence and emphasised that she has no connection to the case.
It also requested media outlets to refrain from associating her with the investigation, stressing that any such reports are misleading.
The lawyer also urged the media to avoid using Shilpa Shetty’s images or videos in relation to the case.
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