Hyderabad, July 11: In a startling development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has booked 29 prominent names from the South Indian entertainment industry, including actors, anchors, YouTubers, and influencers, for allegedly promoting illegal online betting apps. Among the high-profile names under scrutiny are Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Lakshmi Manchu, and Prakash Raj, along with several popular digital creators.
The action, taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), has sent shockwaves across the industry, raising serious questions about the responsibilities of public figures in influencing public behavior, especially in the digital space.
Who Are the Celebs Named in the Case?
Apart from Deverakonda and Daggubati, the list reportedly includes:
- Nidhhi Agerwal
- Ananya Nagalla
- Pranitha Subhash
- Sreemukhi (TV Anchor)
- Shyamala (TV Anchor)
- YouTuber Harsha Sai
- Bayya Sunny Yadav
- Actor Nani, often called “Local Boy” by fans
These individuals are now facing intense scrutiny over their alleged involvement in promotional campaigns for betting platforms, some of which have been linked to scams amounting to thousands of crores of rupees.
The Betting App Scandal: What Triggered the ED Probe?
The controversy erupted after businessman Phanindra Sharma filed a complaint earlier this year, accusing several celebrities of endorsing illegal betting platforms that preyed on young, impressionable audiences.
According to reports by News18, Sharma’s complaint alleged that these celebrities, by using their influence and wide reach, promoted apps that eventually defrauded users, leaving many in severe financial distress. Following the complaint, the Cyberabad Police registered an FIR on March 19, and the ED later stepped in to probe possible money laundering angles.
The central agency is now investigating how much the celebrities were paid, the nature of the contracts signed, and whether they knowingly endorsed illegal platforms under the guise of “skill-based gaming.”
What the Celebrities Are Saying
As the ED gears up its investigation, several celebrities have issued public statements defending themselves.
Vijay Deverakonda’s Team
His spokesperson clarified that he promoted A23, a skill-based gaming platform, as part of a brand campaign that ended in 2023, and that no laws were violated during the promotion.
Rana Daggubati
The actor stated that his associations with any gaming platform were made only after legal consultations, and he believes he has not breached any compliance norms.
Prakash Raj
The veteran actor admitted that he had promoted a betting app back in 2016, but said he disassociated from the project soon after realizing it was “not the right thing to do.”
While others on the list have yet to respond publicly, legal teams of several influencers are reportedly reviewing documents to prepare for possible questioning.
Bigger Than Just Celebrities: A Scam Worth Crores
Investigators suggest that these betting platforms were not just digital games—they were a part of an elaborate online betting scam, involving transactions worth thousands of crores. Many platforms allegedly operated without regulatory approvals, misrepresenting themselves as skill-based games, and lured unsuspecting users with celebrity endorsements.
“Youngsters followed their favorite actors and influencers into these apps, thinking they were legitimate. But many lost huge amounts of money,” a senior officer close to the investigation revealed.
A Wake-Up Call for Influencers and Brands Alike
This case has once again opened a can of worms about celebrity accountability in digital endorsements. In the age of social media and instant influence, the blurred lines between entertainment and endorsement are now under sharp focus.
Legal experts warn that celebrities could face serious consequences if found guilty of promoting unregulated or illegal businesses, even if they were unaware of the deeper fraud involved.
What Happens Next?
The ED is currently collecting financial records, contracts, and bank statements, and may soon summon some of the named individuals for questioning. The probe is expected to widen, as authorities look into ad agencies, influencer marketing firms, and platform developers behind these apps.
As the investigation unfolds, the scandal stands as a reminder that influence comes with responsibility. Whether through films, reels, or endorsements, public figures have a powerful voice—and when misused, the impact can be devastating. The coming days will determine whether this was a case of unintentional association or wilful promotion of fraud, but one thing is clear: the digital world is no longer immune from legal accountability.
