ED raids Raj Kundra's premises in pornographic content money laundering probe

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday raided multiple locations associated with businessman Raj Kundra, husband of actor Shilpa Shetty, in connection with a money laundering case tied to the alleged production and distribution of pornographic and adult content, as per PTI reports. The raids were conducted at around 15 locations in Mumbai and cities across Uttar Pradesh, including Kundra's home and office, according to official sources.

Sources further revealed that Kundra, aged 49, is being questioned by ED officials at one of these locations as part of the investigation. The case stems from at least two FIRs and chargesheets filed by the Mumbai Police in 2022, which accused Kundra and others of involvement in the production and distribution of explicit content through digital platforms.

This is not Kundra's first encounter with money laundering allegations. Earlier this year, the ED had attached assets worth ₹98 crore belonging to Kundra and Shetty in a cryptocurrency-related case. The couple later obtained relief from the Bombay High Court, which stayed the attachment order.

Kundra has consistently denied the allegations, asserting that there is no evidence connecting him to the production of questionable content. He previously told a Mumbai court in 2021 that there was no link between him and the "Hotshots" app, which the police claimed was used to stream obscene content. He argued that he was not named in the original FIR and maintained that he had been falsely implicated.

The ED's investigation focuses on the alleged use of the "Hotshots" app, which was reportedly operated by Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd, a company founded by Kundra. According to the police, Armsprime Media sold the app to London-based Kenrin Pvt Ltd, which subsequently used it to upload objectionable videos. WhatsApp chats retrieved from Kundra's phone allegedly revealed discussions about financial transactions and plans to sell 119 adult films for $1.2 million, according to PTI.

The case initially gained traction when complaints were filed by several women who claimed they were lured into filming bold scenes under the guise of acting opportunities in web series or short films. These scenes reportedly turned into semi-nude or nude sequences against the actors' wishes, police investigations revealed.

The ED's current action is part of its broader probe into financial transactions linked to this case. Officials are examining whether funds generated from the alleged activities were laundered and moved through illicit channels. Kundra has previously maintained that he was made a scapegoat in the case for reasons best known to the investigators.

The investigation also highlights the proliferation of pornographic apps in cyberspace, with police identifying a network of platforms allegedly involved in the illegal activity. Kundra's alleged role in this network remains under scrutiny as the ED continues its operations.

The raids reflect ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to tackle financial crimes linked to cyber offences. The ED's investigation is expected to uncover further details regarding the money trail and involvement of other individuals. As the case develops, Kundra's legal challenges and his claims of innocence will likely come under closer examination.

(With inputs from PTI)