Shocking Revelations: ED Grills Bollywood Star Tamannaah Bhatia in High-Stakes Guwahati Money-Laundering Probe
Tamannaah Bhatia Interrogated by ED in Cryptocurrency Scam Probe
Guwahati, NEW DELHI: Actress Tamannaah Bhatia was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Guwahati on Thursday concerning an alleged money laundering case tied to the ‘HPZ Token’ mobile app. The app reportedly defrauded numerous investors under the guise of mining Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies.
The ED recorded Bhatia’s statement at its Guwahati zonal office under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Sources close to the investigation revealed that the 34-year-old received payments for a "celebrity appearance" at a company event but faces no incriminating evidence against her. Previously summoned, Bhatia deferred her appearance due to work commitments, choosing to respond on Thursday.
The investigation stems from a First Information Report (FIR) by the Kohima Police cyber crimes unit, which charged multiple suspects under the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The accused allegedly enticed investors with promises of substantial returns via cryptocurrency mining.
The ‘HPZ Token’ app, at the center of this controversy, purportedly deceived investors by assuring daily returns of Rs 4,000 on an initial Rs 57,000 investment for three months. However, payouts were made only once before investors were asked for additional funds.
The ED’s charge sheet, filed in March, names 299 entities, including 76 operated by Chinese nationals and two by other foreign nationals, as accused. These entities allegedly created shell companies with dummy directors to launder proceeds from illicit online gaming, betting, and Bitcoin investments.
The agency’s nation-wide searches resulted in the seizure of assets and deposits valued at Rs 455 crore. The investigation continues as authorities attempt to unravel the complex network involved in this financial deception.
Original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/money-laundering-case-ed-quizzes-bollywood-actor-tamannaah-bhatia-in-guwahati/articleshow/114332826.cms
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