Telugu film star Vijay Deverakonda appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Hyderabad on Wednesday in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation related to the promotion of illegal online betting applications.
Deverakonda arrived at the ED's regional office located in Basheerbagh around 11 am, complying with the summons issued as part of the probe. The investigation is based on an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) registered by the ED, which names 29 individuals, including actors, television personalities, and social media influencers. These individuals are alleged to have promoted betting platforms that reportedly violated Indian law.
The ED’s case is linked to multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed earlier by the Telangana Police. Authorities believe that many celebrities endorsed illegal betting apps, and that the revenue generated through these apps was subsequently laundered. The ED is now scrutinising the financial trail behind such promotions.
In response to the controversy, Vijay Deverakonda’s team had previously issued a statement clarifying his role. According to the statement, the actor only endorsed a 'skill-based gaming platform' and had no association with any illegal betting or gambling operation. His team emphasised that the endorsement was carried out solely in 'regions and territories where online skill-based games are legally permitted.' They also stated that Deverakonda’s legal advisors had thoroughly vetted the agreement to ensure full compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.
The statement further referenced judgments from the Supreme Court of India, which have repeatedly recognized games like rummy as “skill-based” rather than games of chance. These rulings distinguish such games from gambling, noting that skill is the dominant factor involved.
Also Read: Promoting betting apps: Daggubatti, Deverkonda booked
Additionally, the clarification mentioned that Vijay Deverakonda’s contract with the brand in question — identified as A23 — ended in 2023. As of now, he has no ongoing association with the platform.
Deverakonda’s position, as communicated through his representatives, maintains that his involvement was lawful and limited to a legitimate, legally recognised gaming platform. This position contrasts with the broader allegations that celebrity endorsements may have been used to mask and facilitate money laundering activities connected to illegal betting.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj was one of the first among the 29 to appear before the ED for questioning. Speaking to the media after his appearance, he stated that his association with the betting app was brief and dated back to 2016. He added that he terminated the contract on "moral grounds" and did not accept any payment for the endorsement. He confirmed that the ED had not asked him to appear again.
Actor Rana Daggubati, who was initially scheduled to appear before the agency on July 23, requested a new date as he was engaged in a film shoot in Tamil Nadu. The ED has rescheduled his appearance to August 11. His team has also stated that his association with a skill-based gaming platform ended in 2017 and that the contract was fully compliant with the law.
The ED’s probe spans 29 individuals in total, including actors such as Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Pranitha Subhash, as well as several television personalities. The agency is currently examining digital records, financial documents, and transaction details to assess the extent of involvement and trace the flow of funds in the suspected laundering network.
Also Read: ED books Deverakonda, Daggubatti, among 29 in betting app case
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