In a significant turn of events, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has been issued a summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an online gaming app case. The ED has called upon Mr. Kapoor to appear before the agency on the upcoming Friday.
Here are the key points to know about this rapidly unfolding story:
1. Ranbir Kapoor’s Involvement in Mahadev Online Book App
Ranbir Kapoor featured prominently in the promotional activities for the Mahadev Online Book App. The ED alleges that he received a substantial sum of money as compensation, which is suspected to have originated from illicit activities.
2. Expanding Probe
The Enforcement Directorate has cast its net wider, identifying 12 other actors, both from Bollywood and Tollywood, who are currently under its scrutiny. Additionally, over 100 social media influencers are also being investigated and may be called in for questioning as part of the ongoing probe.
3. The Promoters and Their Global Operations
The promoters of the Mahadev Online Book App, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, originally hail from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. However, the app was operated from the company’s headquarters based in the UAE. Notably, the app had call centers in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the UAE.
4. The Alleged Money Laundering Operation
The ED contends that the Mahadev app is part of a larger syndicate that facilitates illegal betting websites. Their modus operandi involves recruiting new users, creating user IDs, and laundering money through an intricate network of benami bank accounts.
5. Lucrative Ventures
ED officials reveal that the promoters operated multiple similar apps, collectively amassing staggering daily profits of ₹200 crore.
6. Recent Raids and Seizures
In a series of coordinated operations conducted last month, the Enforcement Directorate targeted money-laundering networks connected to the Mahadev app in cities like Kolkata, Bhopal, and Mumbai. These raids resulted in the discovery of substantial incriminating evidence. Further, the ED successfully froze and confiscated assets valued at ₹417 crore that were linked to the alleged illegal activities.
7. Flaunting Illicit Wealth
An official statement by the agency last month highlights that Chandrakar and Uppal had established a lavish lifestyle for themselves in the UAE. This included a lavish wedding ceremony in Ras Al Khaimah, where a staggering ₹200 crore in cash was spent. They chartered private jets to transport family members from Nagpur to the UAE and hired celebrities for performances. Additionally, ₹112 crore was routed through hawala channels to an event management company, M/s R-1 Events Pvt Ltd, and ₹42 crore was paid in cash for hotel bookings.
8. Kapoor’s Next Move
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Ranbir Kapoor will personally appear at the ED’s office on Friday or if he will send a representative on his behalf.
Stay tuned for further developments in this high-profile case as it continues to unravel.