MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated searches at multiple locations, including the premises of Raj Kundra, businessman and spouse of actress Shilpa Shetty, regarding an investigation into alleged money laundering connected to adult content production and distribution via mobile applications.
Officials confirmed that the operation included searches at the residence of the couple, alongside properties of other individuals implicated in the case.
Kundra, who was previously arrested by Mumbai police in 2021 in the adult content case and later granted bail, is also under scrutiny in a separate money laundering investigation related to Bitcoin fraud involving Ajay Bhardwaj. The ED has secured Shilpa Shetty's Juhu property, asserting that Kundra utilised illicit funds to acquire the flat before transferring ownership to his wife in the Bitcoin case.
Regarding the adult content case, authorities alleged his involvement in creating inappropriate material. He faces charges under various legal provisions, including the Indian Penal Code, the Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Act and the Information Technology Act.
The investigation centres on allegations that Kundra facilitated streaming adult videos through the 'Hotshots' application, which has since been removed from mobile platforms by Apple and Google. Operating from his Viaan Industries office, Kundra reportedly managed the UK-based company's content supply. His IT director, Ryan Thorpe, supervised the application's operations and financial dealings. Kundra informed authorities that he had sold 'Hotshots' for 25,000 US dollars in 2019 and established Arms Prime Media.
Vijay V Singh has worked for various print and online publication...
Read MoreVijay V Singh has worked for various print and online publications before joining The Times of Indiain 2008. He covers crime and takes a keen interest in criminology. His hobbies include travel (especially on bikes), reading and cricket.
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