In Depth Explained Betting App Scam 29 Celebrities booked by ED

In Depth Explained Betting App Scam 29 Celebrities booked by ED 

Vijay Devarakonda, Rana Daggubati and other popular actors such as Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal were also booked by the ED for their alleged involvement in a betting app scam.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India has initiated a money laundering investigation against 29 celebrities, including prominent Tollywood actors 

Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, and Nidhi Agarwal, for their alleged involvement in promoting illegal online betting apps. 

Below is a detailed timeline of the case and its current status based on available information:

Timeline of the Case

March 16, 2025: 

Initial ComplaintA 32-year-old businessman, PM Phanindra Sarma, raised concerns about celebrities and influencers promoting illegal gambling apps, alleging that these promotions were causing financial harm to vulnerable users by encouraging addictive and risky behavior.

March 19, 2025: 

FIR Filed by Cyberabad PoliceThe Miyapur Police in Cyberabad, Telangana, registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 individuals, including actors Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, Manchu Lakshmi, Praneetha Subhash, and Nidhi Agarwal, for allegedly promoting illegal betting apps.

The FIR was based on a complaint by Phanindra Sarma, who claimed that these apps were causing financial distress by encouraging users to invest in gambling platforms.

The accused were charged under:Sections 318(4) and 112, read with Section 49 of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (fraudulent activity and related offenses).

Section 4 of the Telangana State Gaming Act (TSGA) (illegal promotion of gaming).

Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act (online deception).

Specific allegations:Rana Daggubati and Prakash Raj were linked to promoting Junglee Rummy.

Vijay Deverakonda was accused of promoting A23.

Manchu Lakshmi was associated with Yolo 247.

Praneetha Subhash was linked to Fairplay.

Nidhi Agarwal was accused of promoting Jeet Win.

The promotions allegedly involved online pop-up advertisements that misled users into believing the platforms were legal and secure.

March 20-21, 2025: 

Celebrities Respond

Prakash Raj: Issued a statement on X, clarifying that he promoted a gaming app (Junglee Rummy) in 2016 but withdrew in 2017 after realizing it was inappropriate. 

He stated he has not endorsed any gaming apps since and pledged cooperation with authorities if approached.

Rana Daggubati: 

Through his legal team, clarified that his endorsement for a skill-based gaming platform (Junglee Rummy) ended in 2017 and was limited to legally permitted regions. 

His team cited the Supreme Court’s distinction between skill-based games (like rummy) and gambling, asserting compliance with legal standards.

Vijay Deverakonda: 

Issued a statement via his PR team, stating that he promoted only skill-based games for A23, which operates legally in permitted regions. 

His team emphasized that the Supreme Court recognizes rummy as a skill-based game, not gambling, and noted that his contract with A23 ended in 2023

July 10, 2025: 

ED Registers CaseThe ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against 29 individuals, including the aforementioned actors, television personalities, and social media influencers, based on five FIRs filed in Telangana (Panjagutta, Miyapur, Cyberabad, Suryapet) and Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam).

The ED’s investigation focuses on allegations that these celebrities and influencers received substantial financial compensation for endorsing betting platforms like Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Parimatch, and Lotus365, which are suspected of facilitating large-scale money laundering while masquerading as skill-based gaming apps.

The ED is examining financial transactions and digital trails to trace potential illicit payments or money laundering linked to these endorsements.

July 10-11, 2025: 

Public and Media Updates

News outlets and posts on X reported the ED’s action, naming Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Manchu Lakshmi, Ananya Nagalla, and Srimukhi among the 29 accused. 

Some reports mentioned that assets worth ₹284.5 crore were frozen in connection with the case, though it’s unclear if this relates directly to the celebrities or the betting platforms’ management.

The investigation was described as one of the largest crackdowns on celebrity-endorsed online betting scams, sending shockwaves through the entertainment and digital creator industries

Current Position (as of July 12, 2025)Ongoing Investigation: 

The ED is actively investigating the financial transactions and digital evidence linked to the 29 accused individuals. 

The agency suspects that the endorsements may have helped legitimize illegal betting platforms, potentially facilitating money laundering. 

The probe is based on the PMLA, indicating a focus on tracing illicit financial flows.

No Summons or Arrests Reported:

 As of the latest reports, the ED is likely to summon the accused for questioning in the coming days. 

 Arrests may occur if evidence of money laundering is found, but no such actions have been confirmed yet.

Celebrity Defenses:

Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj have publicly clarified that their endorsements were for skill-based games, which they claim are legal under Indian law, citing Supreme Court rulings that distinguish games like rummy from gambling. 

They have distanced themselves from ongoing promotions, stating their contracts ended years ago (2017 for Rana and Prakash, 2023 for Vijay).

No individual shall be deemed guilty until declared so by a competent and honorable court.”

The charges contained in the complaint are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.