India’s Directorate of Enforcement (ED) questioned actor Prakash Raj for more than five hours on Wednesday as part of its investigation into online betting and potential money laundering.
Several celebrities in the country’s acting and film world have been asked to appear before the ED regarding endorsements made on social media for some of the online gambling operators under scrutiny.
While online casino and sports betting apps are popular worldwide, the industry is still in its infancy in India and operates under state-specific licencing.
Who Are The Celebrities Summonsed?
Prakash Raj appeared at the ED’s regional office in Basheerbagh, Hyderabad to make an official statement in addition to providing documentation to show any agreements or financial transactions between the actor and betting apps.
The ED has summonsed 29 celebrities from the film and acting world as well as social media influencers and You Tubers to explain promotions they have endorsed for firms under investigation.
In addition to Prakash Raj, others asked to appear have included actor and producer Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverakonda and actress Lakshmi Manchu.
Tech giants Google and Meta have also been a part of the inquiry as placements for sports betting and online casinos appear regularly on both platforms.
What Prakash Raj Had To Say
Speaking after his appearance in front of the ED, Raj explained his position to reporters.
“The officers had called me in connection with the money-laundering case of the betting apps, and this was something [promotion of a betting app] I did, and later in 2016, on moral grounds, I did not pursue it,” he said.
“I gave them information that I did not receive any money.
“The officers are doing their job and as a citizen I am supposed to cooperate and answer their questions. There is no witch hunt or political motivation in this.”
What Is Google And Meta’s Involvement?
Earlier this month, the ED had issued a fresh summons to tech giants Google and Meta in relation to its betting probe.
The ED suspects that the tech firms may not have employed a thorough enough system of vetting gambling advertisers who have been targeting the market in India.
Officials from Google and Meta had asked for more time to carry out their own internal audit and collect the documentation and information that the ED has requested.
Google made its representation on Monday, and a spokesperson told news agency PTI the company was “committed to keeping our platforms safe and secure, prohibiting the promotion of illegal gambling ads.
“We are extending our full support and cooperation to investigating agencies to hold bad actors responsible and keep users safe.”
Jim Munro is a betting industry and gambling expert who has been a national newspaper journalist for over 30 years, predominantly at The Sunday Times and The Sun, where he wrote a weekly soccer betting column. Jim also worked on the launch of Virgin Bet with Gamesys and was subsequently head of editorial at LiveScore, the sports media and betting group.
