The probe into the endorsement of unauthorized betting apps by Telugu celebrities has gained steam, with the Enforcement Directorate summoning a string of famous individuals. The inquiry comes on the back of an FIR registered by the Cyberabad Police against 29 people — including popular actors, social media influencers, and content creators — for promoting unauthorized gambling sites.
Veteran actor Prakash Raj was one of the first to be grilled by the ED. Following his visit, he openly confirmed that he would no longer endorse such betting apps. In a recent turn of events, popular actor Vijay Deverakonda visited the ED, which was a major milestone in the case. His questioning has garnered huge attention, with the public and media waiting for his reply.
It has come to light through sources that the ED is carefully probing the scale of payments to the celebrities for endorsing these betting platforms, whether they were aware of the legality of the apps, and if there were any connections with money laundering. Vijay Deverakonda was specifically asked to furnish detailed banking statements and transaction histories pertaining to his dealing with the betting firms.
The inquiry is very much ongoing, with Rana Daggubati to be questioned on August 11, and Lakshmi Manchu on August 13. The ED will most probably inquire about their financial activities, deals with betting companies, and knowledge of the lawfulness of such sites.
As this high-profile investigation continues, all eyes stay fixed on Vijay Deverakonda and the upcoming updates in what is turning out to be one of the most closely followed cases surrounding celebrity endorsements and online betting apps.
