Businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, found himself at the center of another legal storm today as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on his residence and office premises. This operation, part of an ongoing money laundering investigation, is linked to the production and distribution of pornographic content through mobile applications.
The ED’s action targeted around 15 locations, with Kundra’s Juhu residence being a focal point. This latest raid intensifies the scrutiny surrounding Kundra, who has been under investigation for months after allegations surfaced that he was a significant player in a scheme that monetized explicit content through the now-defunct ‘Hotshots’ app.
The ‘Hotshots’ app, which was previously available for download on platforms like Apple and Google Play, gained public and legal attention due to its involvement in streaming pornographic material. The app was removed following the backlash, but investigations revealed troubling claims. The ED’s case accuses Raj Kundra of using his company, Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd, to manage the app’s operations. Additionally, the company is alleged to have facilitated the sale of the app to UK-based Kenrin Pvt Ltd, a company accused of uploading and distributing the explicit content.
Sources suggest that the app attracted aspiring actors under the guise of web series auditions. However, some individuals were reportedly coerced into performing semi-nude or nude scenes against their will, leading to further outrage. The ED also claims that WhatsApp conversations recovered from Kundra’s phone indicate financial transactions tied to Kenrin, including a discussion about the sale of 119 adult films for a whopping USD 1.2 million.
Raj Kundra has vehemently denied any involvement in the production of pornography, insisting that he was merely a scapegoat in the case. He contends that the allegations against him are fabricated and has rejected claims of wrongdoing. Despite these denials, Kundra remains embroiled in multiple legal challenges.
This raid isn’t the first time that Kundra has found himself facing criminal charges. In 2021, he was arrested by Mumbai Police in a related case involving the distribution of obscene material but was subsequently released on bail. The ongoing investigation also extends to his alleged involvement in a separate crypto-ponzi scheme, led by Amit Bhardwaj, the mastermind behind the Gain Bitcoin scam.
Earlier this year, the Enforcement Directorate attached assets worth ₹98 crore belonging to Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty, claiming that these were acquired through illicit means, including proceeds from the Gain Bitcoin scam. As the probe continues, the ED is likely to uncover more details about the alleged money laundering operations tied to Kundra’s business dealings.
Raj Kundra’s legal troubles have now taken another serious turn, with the ED tightening its grip on his finances. As the investigation unfolds, more revelations about his role in the alleged porn content distribution scheme and the associated financial transactions are expected to come to light.
Sources By Agencies
