Top Tollywood and Kollywood stars are now part of a growing investigation into digital betting scams. The ED alleges several were paid in cash or via dubious routes to boost platforms under the scanner for financial crimes.
BY PC Bureau
The glitz of the South Indian film world has come under shadow as The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has named A-listers in a high-stakes betting app probe. Investigations reveal a web of shady promotions, tax evasion, and suspected laundering linked to Mahadev Online Book and similar platforms.
The ED on Friday launched a high-profile investigation into illegal online betting platforms, booking 29 South Indian celebrities, including actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, and Manchu Lakshmi, for allegedly promoting or endorsing betting apps such as Mahadev Online Book.
According to officials, the celebrities received large sums—some through untraceable channels—to promote the platforms, many of which are under probe for laundering illicit funds and deceiving users across the country. Several influencers and regional content creators have also been named in the ECIRs (Enforcement Case Information Reports).
The crackdown follows ED’s ongoing probe into the Mahadev Online Book scam, a multi-crore digital betting racket with suspected international links. The apps were widely publicized through celebrity social media handles and videos, which helped them gain mass popularity, particularly among youth.
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Officials claim that many actors failed to verify the legality of these platforms before associating with them. Some of the promotions were allegedly done in exchange for cash, routed via shell companies or undisclosed channels—raising concerns over possible tax evasion and money laundering.
In a related development, ED teams have also launched inquiries in Tamil Nadu, where producers and financiers linked to top Kollywood stars—including Dhanush, Silambarasan (Simbu), and Sivakarthikeyan—are under the scanner. Raids were conducted at multiple locations in Chennai to trace suspicious inflows of money used in film production.
🚨 ED Crackdown on 29 Celebrities in Betting App Scam
The Enforcement Directorate has booked 29 film personalities, influencers, and YouTubers under the PMLA for allegedly promoting illegal betting platforms.🎠Names under investigation include:
Vijay Deverakonda, Rana… pic.twitter.com/1DMxFkBUS6— Social News Daily (@SocialNewsDail2) July 10, 2025
While the ED has yet to summon all named individuals, sources confirm that further action is imminent. Officials are also examining whether betting proceeds were routed into the film industry as part of broader laundering operations.
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So far, none of the actors named have issued official statements, though industry insiders fear the scandal could have significant implications for endorsements, OTT deals, and public credibility.
This is not the first time celebrities have come under fire for promoting questionable digital platforms. But given the scale and visibility of those involved, the current probe marks one of the most significant investigations into the intersection of the entertainment industry and financial fraud.
