Hotshots Pornography Case: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids at the residence and offices of businessman Raj Kundra on Thursday, intensifying its money laundering probe linked to the production and distribution of pornographic content. The operation targeted 15 locations, including Kundra’s Juhu home, as investigators examine his alleged role in monetizing explicit material through mobile apps.
Kundra, the husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, has been under scrutiny for his involvement with the now-defunct Hotshots app. The ED alleges that Kundra used his company, Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd, to operate the app before selling it to UK-based Kenrin Pvt Ltd.
Hotshots reportedly lured aspiring actors with promises of roles in web series, only to coerce them into filming semi-nude or explicit scenes, according to the police. Investigators claim to have found WhatsApp chats on Kundra’s phone showing financial transactions with Kenrin, including discussions about selling 119 adult films for $1.2 million.
Raj Kundra Denies Wrongdoing
Kundra has consistently denied any involvement in the production of explicit content. He claims he has been falsely implicated and labeled himself a “scapegoat.” Despite his denials, he was previously arrested in 2021 by Mumbai police in a related case and later released on bail.
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The ED’s probe extends beyond the Hotshots app. Kundra is also being investigated for alleged involvement in a crypto-ponzi scheme orchestrated by Amit Bhardwaj, the mastermind behind the Gain Bitcoin scam. Earlier this year, the ED attached assets worth Rs 98 crore, allegedly acquired through illicit activities tied to both the pornographic app and the Bitcoin scam.
Impact on Shilpa Shetty
This ongoing legal turmoil has also cast a shadow on Shilpa Shetty, Kundra’s wife and a prominent Bollywood actress. In addition to the Rs 98 crore asset attachment, Shetty and Kundra are also fighting an eviction notice in court, further complicating their legal battles.
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The raids and allegations have reignited public discourse on the misuse of digital platforms and exploitation within the entertainment industry. The ED’s findings will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of Kundra’s legal challenges, which continue to attract significant media attention.
