The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Friday at properties linked to businessman Raj Kundra, in connection with a money laundering probe related to the production and distribution of pornographic content through mobile applications. The raids took place across 15 locations in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh.
Background of the Case
Raj Kundra, husband of actress Shilpa Shetty, was previously arrested in July 2021 after four women alleged that they were coerced into shooting pornographic videos under the guise of landing acting roles in web series. Kundra was released from Arthur Jail in September 2021. This latest round of ED raids is part of an ongoing investigation into the financial operations surrounding these activities.
Earlier Developments
In addition to the ongoing investigation, the ED had attached Raj Kundra’s assets earlier this year, including a luxury flat in Juhu, Mumbai, a bungalow in Pune, and equity shares worth Rs 98 crore. These actions were taken as part of the broader probe into the Gain Bitcoin Ponzi scheme, which Kundra was implicated in. Although both Raj and Shilpa Shetty maintained their innocence, their assets were provisionally attached in April 2024.
Legal and Financial Struggles
Kundra’s legal troubles began in 2018, with an initial investigation into Amit Bharadwaj’s Ponzi scheme. Despite not being named as suspects at the start, Raj and Shilpa’s involvement came into focus later. The couple has continued to cooperate with the investigation, with Raj attending multiple summons and Shilpa providing documentation through her representatives.
In a separate matter, the couple has challenged the ED’s notice to vacate their properties in Mumbai and Pune. The Bombay High Court has temporarily stayed the eviction order.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.