Prakash Raj, an Indian actor, investigates for his previous endorsement of unlawful gaming applications.
In a recent development, renowned Indian actor Prakash Raj has found himself at the centre of a money laundering investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The investigation revolves around his endorsement of illegal online gambling platforms, specifically Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365.
The case was sparked by a report filed in March, which incriminated 25 public figures and social media personalities for their alleged association with these illegal platforms. The ED has been investigating the matter since then, and Prakash Raj appeared at their office in Hyderabad in late July 2025 for questioning, which lasted for four hours [1][2].
Prakash Raj, known for his work in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, English, and Hindi-language films, confirmed his prior association with the apps but insisted that he refused to be remunerated for his collaboration on moral grounds [1]. He also stated that he stopped his association with the gambling apps after realizing their harmful nature and did not renew his contract beyond one year.
The ED is probing the use of these illegal gambling apps and their celebrity endorsements as a front for laundering money. The investigation centres on the allegation that these celebrity endorsements increased the visibility and appeal of the gambling apps, indirectly aiding their illegal operations. The ED is examining whether the celebrities were aware of the illicit nature of these platforms, but many have claimed ignorance regarding the true functioning of the apps and denied involvement in illegal activities [2].
The case further alleges that the unlicensed companies employ predatory tactics and are particularly harmful to lower and middle-income families. The Indian government has been seeking to shake off the negative effects of unauthorized gambling platforms on society and has blocked 1,524 gambling websites between 2022 and 2025 as part of its ongoing war on illegal gambling [3].
The investigation is ongoing, with other actors scheduled to appear for questioning in August 2025. Notably, Prakash Raj has not been asked to reappear for further questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) [4].
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/prakash-raj-quizzed-by-ed-in-money-laundering-case/article65552832.ece [2] https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional/story/prakash-raj-quizzed-by-ed-in-money-laundering-case-1877270-2022-07-25 [3] https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/it/india-blocks-1524-gambling-websites-since-2022-as-part-of-its-ongoing-war-on-illegal-gambling/2473157/ [4] https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/prakash-raj-quizzed-ed-over-alleged-money-laundering-in-junglee-rummy-case-1651933730-176343 [5] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-stories/prakash-raj-quizzed-by-ed-in-money-laundering-case-related-to-illegal-online-gambling-apps/article65552832.ece
- The investigation into money laundering by Indian celebrity Prakash Raj is centered on his endorsement of illegal online casino-games such as Junglee Rummy, JeetWin, and Lotus365.
- As the ED delves into the affairs of these unlicensed casino-and-gambling platforms, they are examining how celebrity endorsements, including that of Prakash Raj, are being used as a means to launder money.
- The ED is also investigating the role of these casino-games in general-news, crime-and-justice, with a focus on their harmful impact on low-income families and their potential violation of entertainment norms and regulations.
