Tamannaah received payments for making a "celebrity appearance"
Tamannaah Bhatia was recently questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Guwahati, Assam, concerning a money laundering investigation.
It was linked to the HPZ Token mobile app which allegedly defrauded investors by promising lucrative opportunities in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining.
The ED recorded the actress’ statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act at their zonal office in Guwahati.
According to reports, Tamannaah received payments for making a “celebrity appearance” at an event organised by the company behind the app.
However, it’s important to note that no “incriminating” evidence or charges have been filed against her.
Tamannaah had been summoned for questioning earlier but had postponed her appearance due to work commitments.
Ultimately, she complied with the summons on October 1, 2024.
The investigation is part of a larger probe, with the ED’s charge sheet filed in March 2024, which named 299 entities as accused.
This includes 76 entities under Chinese control.
Among those implicated are ten directors of Chinese origin, and two other entities managed by foreign nationals.
The case stems from an FIR filed by the cyber-crimes unit of Kohima police.
In the FIR, several individuals have been accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act.
The bank accounts and merchant IDs associated with the app were opened through “shell companies” run by “dummy” directors to conceal their activities.
The ED’s statement indicated that for an investment of Rs. 57,000 (£520), investors were promised returns of Rs. 4,000 (£36) per day for three months.
However, they only received this payment once.
Following this initial payout, the scheme sought funds from new investors.
Nationwide, searches have been conducted by the ED, resulting in the seizure of immovable assets and deposits worth Rs. 455 Crore (£41 million).
On the professional front, Tamannaah Bhatia had a special appearance in the box office blockbuster Stree 2.
Known for her work in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, she recently discussed her career on Raj Shamani’s podcast.
She emphasised how South Indian films often focus on more “rooted” stories, which resonate well with audiences.
Tamannaah last starred in the Tamil film Aranmanai 4.
Tamannaah Bhatia is currently filming the Telugu film Odela 2 and will also star in the Hindi web series Daring Partners.
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