Mumbai, 1 December 2024 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned businessman Raj Kundra for questioning in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the alleged illegal distribution of pornographic content. Kundra, the husband of actor Shilpa Shetty, has been asked to appear before the investigating officer on December 2, or on another date if Monday is not feasible, sources confirmed on Sunday.
In addition to Kundra, others implicated in the case, including a businessman from Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, have also been called to testify. The ED had previously conducted raids at Kundra’s Mumbai residence and other locations in Uttar Pradesh on December 29, 2023.
Kundra, responding to the ongoing investigation, said on Saturday that he was “fully complying” with authorities and has been cooperating throughout the four-year-long probe. His wife’s lawyer clarified that the action was not directed at Shetty, and emphasized that Kundra was working with investigators to uncover the truth.
The case, which dates back to May 2022, is tied to multiple FIRs and chargesheets filed by the Mumbai Police against Kundra and others. Several individuals, including Kundra, were arrested in connection with the investigation but were later granted bail.
This marks the second money laundering probe involving Kundra. Earlier this year, the ED had attached assets worth Rs 98 crore belonging to Kundra and Shetty in a separate cryptocurrency-related case. The couple, however, obtained relief from the Bombay High Court, which lifted the attachment order.
In 2021, Kundra denied involvement in the alleged pornographic racket. He argued in a local court that the prosecution failed to provide any evidence linking him to the creation or distribution of obscene content. Specifically, he claimed that the Hotshots app, which was allegedly used to stream pornographic videos, was not connected to any criminal activities.
“I am being falsely implicated,” Kundra stated, pointing out that he was not even named in the FIR. He further asserted that he was made a “scapegoat” in the case, which he believes is driven by personal or procedural motives within the investigation.
The case centers around complaints filed by several women who allege they were lured into participating in adult films under the guise of acting roles in web series or short films. Police investigations revealed that some actors were tricked into performing semi-nude or nude scenes, which violated their consent.
Authorities have also uncovered the operation of multiple “porn-like apps” within cyberspace. According to investigators, Kundra set up Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd, which, through a London-based company called Kenrin Pvt Ltd, acquired the Hotshots app to upload explicit content to social media platforms.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about the extent of Kundra’s role in the operation and whether the alleged criminal activities will lead to further legal action.
