ED raids Raj Kundra’s premises in money laundering probe linked to pornography case

Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted searches at the premises of businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged production and distribution of pornographic films.

According to sources, raids are underway at approximately 15 locations in Mumbai and parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Kundra’s residences and offices. The 49-year-old businessman is reportedly being questioned at one of these sites.

The case traces back to May 2022 and involves at least two FIRs and charge sheets filed against Kundra and others. Previously, Kundra and several co-accused were arrested in the matter before being granted bail. This marks the second money laundering investigation involving the businessman.

Earlier this year, the ED attached assets worth ₹98 crore belonging to Kundra and Shetty in a separate cryptocurrency-related money laundering case. However, the Bombay High Court later granted the couple relief from the attachment order.

In 2021, Kundra had denied allegations linking him to the “Hotshots” app, which authorities claimed was used to distribute explicit content. He argued that there was no evidence of his direct involvement in producing or distributing pornographic material and alleged that he was falsely implicated.

The investigation began after complaints from multiple women who alleged coercion during auditions for web series and short films. Police claimed that aspiring actors were promised roles but were subsequently pressured into performing semi-nude or nude scenes against their consent.

Further developments in the case are awaited as the ED’s inquiry continues.