The actor has been asked to appear before the agency on October 6 for allegedly promoting illegal online betting platforms
MUMBAI (India CSR): Ranbir Kapoor, one of the leading actors of Bollywood, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Mahadev betting app case. The agency is investigating alleged money laundering in the online betting app, which is illegal in India, that is being run by two UAE-based kingpins.
What is the Mahadev betting app case?
The Mahadev betting app case is a multi-crore online gambling racket that involves several celebrities and sports personalities. The ED has alleged that the app provides online platforms for different live games such as cricket, poker, badminton, tennis, football, chance games and other card games like ‘Teen Patti’ and ‘Dragon Tiger’. The app also reportedly provides an avenue to bet on different elections in India.
The ED has claimed that the app enrols new users by creating user IDs, where the laundering of money goes through a layered web of Benami bank accounts. The app also advertises contact numbers on websites that can only be approached through WhatsApp to lure people to play and earn profits.
The ED has identified Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, who hail from Chhattisgarh’s Bhilai, as the main promoters of Mahadev Online Book. The agency has also named two UAE-based persons, Ankit Jain and Ankit Agarwal, as the masterminds behind the app. The ED has seized illegal assets worth Rs 417 crore and arrested four accused in connection with the case.
Also Read: What Is Mahadev Betting App Scam, Who Are The Masterminds?
Why did ED summon Ranbir Kapoor?
The ED summoned Ranbir Kapoor for questioning on October 6 for reportedly promoting illegal online betting and gaming platforms. According to reports, Kapoor has appeared in a few advertisements for the online betting platform and has allegedly received payments for carrying out promotional activities for the app.
The ED wants to know when the actor began promoting the app, the amount of money he received for these promotions, and the method of payment. The agency also wants to seek information about individuals with whom he came into contact for promotional purposes and confirm if any contracts were signed.
The ED has also found that several other A-list celebrities and certain sports personalities also promoted the app and may be summoned later. The celebrities allegedly charged hefty fees in exchange for their services, which were layered through dubious transactions and paid from the proceeds of online betting.
What are the legal implications of the case?
The Mahadev betting app case is a serious offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The ED has registered a case under sections 420 (cheating), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 34 (common intention) of IPC and section 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act against the accused.
The ED has also invoked sections 3 and 4 of PMLA against the accused for laundering money generated from illegal activities. The agency can attach properties and assets of the accused under PMLA and seek their custody for interrogation.
The case also involves violation of foreign exchange regulations and tax evasion. The ED has sought assistance from foreign authorities to track down the offshore accounts and transactions of the accused. The agency has also taken up investigation abroad to unravel the international network of the app.
The case has also raised questions about the role of celebrities in endorsing illegal activities and influencing public opinion. The ED has stated that it will examine if any action can be taken against them under relevant laws.
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