The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned businessman Raj Kundra for questioning in connection with a money laundering case tied to the alleged illegal distribution of pornographic content. Kundra, the husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, has been asked to appear before the investigating officer this week, official sources confirmed on Sunday. Other individuals linked to the case have also been summoned.
The ED recently raided Kundra’s premises in Mumbai, as well as properties belonging to other individuals in Uttar Pradesh, on December 29. Kundra, who has been under investigation for the past four years, stated on Saturday that he is “fully complying” with the ongoing probe.
Kundra’s lawyer, in a statement to PTI, clarified that the action is not aimed at Shilpa Shetty and emphasized that Kundra is cooperating to ensure the truth emerges. The case stems from charges filed by Mumbai Police in May 2022, based on at least two FIRs and charge sheets against Kundra and others involved in the alleged pornographic movie racket. Kundra and several other accused were arrested in connection with the case, but were later granted bail.
This is the second money laundering case against Kundra. Earlier this year, the ED attached assets worth Rs 98 crore belonging to Kundra and Shetty in a cryptocurrency-related case. The couple obtained relief from the Bombay High Court, which overturned the attachment order.
In 2021, Kundra had told a local Mumbai court that there was no evidence linking him to the creation of alleged pornographic content, which was purportedly distributed via the “Hotshots” app. The app was reportedly used by those involved in the illegal activity to upload and stream obscene content. Kundra denied actively participating in the creation of such material, claiming he was falsely implicated.
According to the investigation, some small-time actors were reportedly lured by promises of roles in web series or short stories but were later coerced into performing semi-nude or nude scenes against their will. The police probe revealed several apps, including “Hotshots”, that were being used to distribute adult content.
Kundra’s company, Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd, allegedly partnered with London-based Kenrin Pvt Ltd to acquire the Hotshots app, which was then used for uploading objectionable videos. WhatsApp chats found on Kundra’s phone reportedly contained discussions about financial transactions related to the sale of adult films, including one where he discussed selling 119 films for USD 1.2 million.