
MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided businessman Raj Kundra's residence and workplace today as part of a money laundering investigation into the creation and dissemination of pornographic material using mobile applications.
Approximately fifteen locations were searched as part of the ED's operation, including Kundra's home in Juhu.
After being accused of being a major participant in a conspiracy to profit from obscene video streamed through the now-defunct 'Hotshots' app, Mr. Kundra, the husband of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, has been under investigation by the ED for months. Following public and legal attention, the app that was previously accessible on platforms such as Apple and Google Play was taken down.
According to the ED's evidence, Mr. Kundra used Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd, his business, to oversee the app's functionality. Additionally, it is said that Armsprime helped sell the app to Kenrin Pvt Ltd, a company based in the UK, which had a key role in the uploading and streaming of pornographic content.
Under the guise of web series auditions, the app purportedly enticed aspiring performers. Nevertheless, it has been stated that the performers were forced against their will to record nude or semi-nude scenes. According to the authorities, there were WhatsApp conversations on Mr. Kundra's phone that showed financial transactions connected to Kenrin, including talks of selling 119 pornographic films for USD 1.2 million.
Mr. Kundra claims no active involvement in the production of pornographic material and has denied any misconduct. As a "scapegoat" in the case, he has claimed that he was wrongfully implicated.
Mr. Kundra has a history of court disputes. In a related case involving pornographic material, Mumbai police detained him in 2021 but was later freed on bail.
The ED is also looking into his alleged participation in a crypto-ponzi scheme run by Gain Bitcoin scam mastermind Amit Bhardwaj. Mr. Kundra and Ms. Shetty's assets, valued at Rs. 98 crore, were seized by the ED earlier this year on the grounds that they were obtained through the proceeds of illegal operations, such as the Gain Bitcoin scam.
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