ED Investigates 29 Celebrities in Online Betting Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating 29 celebrities, including popular Tollywood actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, and Prakash Raj, for allegedly promoting illegal online betting apps.

The probe, launched under anti-money laundering laws, follows a complaint from Hyderabad businessman Phanindra Sarma, which led to a police case filed by Cyberabad Police.

The celebrities are accused of advertising apps like Junglee Rummy, A23, JeetWin, Yolo 247, and Fairplay on social media and other platforms.

Authorities claim these apps misled people, especially those from middle and lower-income groups, causing severe financial losses. In some heartbreaking cases, victims reportedly faced crushing debt or even took their own lives.

The ED is now combing through financial records and online evidence to track any shady payments linked to these endorsements.

• ED Probes 29 Celebrities, Including Vijay Deverakonda and Rana Daggubati, in Online Betting Scam
• Tollywood Stars Under ED Scanner for Endorsing Illegal Betting Apps Like Junglee Rummy, A23
• ₹284.5 Crore Frozen as ED Investigates Celebrity Links to Online Gambling Platforms

Among those named are actors Manchu Lakshmi, Nidhi Agarwal, Ananya Nagalla, Pranitha Subhash, and TV host Srimukhi, along with YouTubers like Harsha Sai and Bayya Sunny Yadav. The police case, filed on March 19, 2025, points to violations of laws against fraud, gambling, and illegal online activities.

Vijay Deverakonda’s team said his endorsement of A23, a skill-based game, ended in 2023 and was legally cleared, noting that India’s Supreme Court considers rummy a game of skill, not gambling. Rana Daggubati explained his work with Junglee Rummy stopped in 2017 and was limited to legal regions. Prakash Raj admitted to promoting Junglee Rummy in 2016 but cut ties in 2017 over ethical concerns, promising to cooperate fully with authorities.

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The investigation has shaken the Telugu film industry, with assets worth ₹284.5 crore frozen so far. As the ED digs deeper, the celebrities may be called in for questioning, and arrests could follow if evidence of money laundering surfaces. The industry and fans are watching closely as the case unfolds.