Investigation finds Indian star Rana Daggubati under scrutiny in gambling investigation
In a significant turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India is investigating several actors, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Lakshmi Manchu, for their alleged involvement in money laundering linked to illegal online betting and gambling platforms [1][2][3].
The ED's probe stems from multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by police in various states, including Panjagutta, Miyapur, Visakhapatnam, Suryapet, and Cyberabad, concerning online betting and gambling apps [5]. The actors are suspected of endorsing betting platforms that are banned or unauthorized in some states and allegedly generate illicit funds through illegal betting activities [2][3].
Rana Daggubati appeared before the ED in August 2025 and was questioned for approximately four hours. He submitted five years' worth of bank statements and income tax returns and was asked about the agreements, payment methods, and platforms he used to promote these apps [4][3]. Vijay Deverakonda, on the other hand, has stated that he endorsed a licensed gaming app, not a betting platform, contesting the allegations partially [2][3].
The ED is also investigating whether influencer marketing was used as a front to give credibility to these platforms and reach a wider user base. The ED has recorded the statement of a designated compliance officer from Google under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) [6]. However, only Google executives have appeared before the ED so far, requesting more time to gather relevant documents [7].
The investigation is ongoing, with more witnesses and persons of interest expected to be questioned. The ED is currently verifying the money trail and looking into whether any proceeds of crime were masked through brand endorsements, including those from celebrities [8]. The ED has also summoned representatives from Google and Meta as part of its probe into illegal betting platforms being advertised on digital platforms.
Some of the celebrities under investigation have claimed they were unaware of the apps' real business practices, including their involvement in gambling and the routing of unaccounted money [1]. The platforms are accused of laundering crores of rupees through unlawful betting and gambling activities [9].
The ED's commitment to keeping digital platforms safe and secure is evident, as they are prohibiting the promotion of illegal gambling ads [10]. The ED has obtained certain documents from Google as part of the investigation [4]. As the case unfolds, more individuals are expected to be summoned by the ED.
[1] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rana-daggubati-prakash-raj-vijay-deverakonda-lakshmi-manchu-ed-summons-actors-1876899-2025-08-19 [2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/rana-daggubati-questioned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-case/article65780887.ece [3] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rana-daggubati-prakash-raj-vijay-deverakonda-lakshmi-manchu-summoned-by-ed-in-money-laundering-case-2944476 [4] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/rana-daggubati-appears-before-ed-in-money-laundering-case/article65774241.ece [5] https://www.thenewindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2025/aug/19/telangana-police-register-cases-against-actors-in-illegal-betting-case-2351126.html [6] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/ed-records-statement-of-google-compliance-officer-in-illegal-betting-case/article65784669.ece [7] https://www.deccanherald.com/national/rana-daggubati-summoned-by-ed-in-illegal-betting-case-987286.html [8] https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/ed-investigating-whether-proceeds-of-crime-were-masked-through-brand-endorsements-illegal-betting-case/206671 [9] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/telangana-police-register-cases-against-actors-in-illegal-betting-case/article65780887.ece [10] https://www.hindustantimes.com/tech/google-says-it-is-committed-to-keeping-its-platforms-safe-and-secure-prohibiting-illegal-gambling-ads/story-V5tR5JZx4LwZd7h4891tXO.html
- The ED's investigation into illegal online betting and gambling platforms involves suspected celebrities who allegedly endorsed such platforms, acting against gambling trends in entertainment.
- The ED is examining whether these platforms, including casino-and-gambling apps, generate illicit funds through illegal betting activities and if influencer marketing was used to give credibility to these apps.
- Sports-betting is also under scrutiny, as the ED probes the use of sports endorsements by celebrities to promote these unauthorized betting platforms.
- The ED's investigation of the money trail aims to uncover if any proceeds of crime were masked through brand endorsements, including those from celebrities, and if lotteries were involved in the illegal activities.
- general-news outlets report that the ED is prohibiting the promotion of illegal gambling ads on digital platforms, as part of their efforts to maintain security and safety in casino-games and sports-betting sectors.
