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Indian authorities raid Shilpa Shetty’s husband’s properties in pornography, money laundering cases

Indian authorities raid Shilpa Shetty’s husband’s properties in pornography, money laundering cases

Businessman Raj Kundra's house, office, and associates' premises are being raided.
29 Nov, 2024

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into businessman Raj Kundra, the husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, by conducting raids at 15 locations, including Kundra’s Juhu residence.

The searches are part of the agency’s investigation into the pornography case and allegations of money laundering against the Indian businessman, according to The Indian Express

The money laundering case, registered in May 2022, is linked to an FIR filed against Kundra by the Mumbai police in 2021. The allegations claim that Kundra was running a pornography racket, producing and distributing explicit content through subscription-based mobile apps like HotHit Movies and Hotshots.

The latter was developed by Kundra’s firm, Armsprime Media Private Limited, and sold to his brother-in-law, Pradeep Bakshi’s UK-based company.

The ED’s current investigation extends beyond the pornography allegations, delving into financial transactions. The agency is scrutinising Kundra’s involvement in a massive Bitcoin investment fraud case, which saw investors losing an estimated INR66 billion in 2017.

The scheme reportedly promised a 10 per cent monthly return in Bitcoins, which were to be used for mining activities. However, the funds were allegedly misappropriated, with the accused concealing the stolen Bitcoins in obscure wallets.

In April 2024, the ED provisionally attached Kundra’s assets worth INR977.9 million under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. These include a luxurious flat in Mumbai’s Juhu area, a residential bungalow in Pune, and equity shares. The Juhu property is registered in his wife’s name.

Kundra also faced legal troubles in February 2021, when the Mumbai Police Crime Branch conducted a raid on a Madh Island bungalow, allegedly used for shooting pornographic films. Subsequent investigations identified Kundra as a key conspirator, leading to his arrest in July 2021.

He was charged alongside other accused individuals, spending two months in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail before being granted bail in September the same year.

The current raids are part of the ED’s efforts to uncover more evidence and trace additional financial links in the pornography and Bitcoin fraud cases. Properties associated with Kundra’s associates are also being searched as the agency examines potential overseas financial transactions and the concealment of funds.

Comments

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Nov 29, 2024 04:53pm
As you sow, so shall you reap.
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SyedHasni Nov 29, 2024 05:58pm
Raid at Shilpa's house !! They sure stole the spotlight.
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Multani Nov 29, 2024 07:09pm
One thing I see in india is how big or rich you may be you are never above the law, no untouchables like we we have here.
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Tahmad Nov 29, 2024 07:19pm
Sad story of Mr. Raj Kundra, please guy’s money earning right way is lot better than being arrested and be in jail prison is not a good idea.
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Jamil Soomro Nov 29, 2024 09:39pm
First Hindustan(India) was known for Rapes Of Women and now it is known for Pornography because of Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty. Hindustan (India) was good under the Mughals and the British.
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Hassan Parvez Nov 29, 2024 09:49pm
When it comes to convict rich and influential people India and Pakistan, the law becomes useless. Charges against Kundra will be dropped soon as big law firms will use their influence on courts, for example Anu Malik and Shakti kapoor both charged for exploiting young girls by giving false hopes of giving them chance in the film industry, are free and back in their business.
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M.Saeed Nov 29, 2024 10:48pm
Raj Kundra, the husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty a top criminal? was he also a criminal when he married Shilpa? Why was he not properly investigated by Shi9lpa family, before her marriage? Or, was she in big bad money herself?
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secular Nov 30, 2024 05:33am
Kinda a bad choice by Shilpa now both will face the music of law. Govt needs to confiscate their assets
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Laila Nov 30, 2024 04:43pm
@Jamil Soomro Rape crimes and pornography access is universal. Its strange you take single cases and then claim a country is known for them. So by your logic our pure Pakistan is also known for rape, pornography, misogyny, honor killings, persecution of religious minorities, human terafficking and trerrorism. Because this things are happening on a daily basis in Pakistan. Even if we ignore it.
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Gurpreet Singh Nov 30, 2024 09:26pm
Good too see the rule of law working in India, unlike its western neighbor which has essentially become a banana republic.
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