MUMBAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched searches at several locations including Raj Kundraspouse of businessman and actress Shilpa Shettyregarding an investigation into suspected money laundering in the production and distribution of adult content through mobile applications.
Officials confirmed the operation included searches of the couple’s home and the properties of others involved.
Kundra, who was arrested by Mumbai police in 2021 in an adult content case and was later granted bail, is also in another money laundering probe related to a Bitcoin fraud involving Ajay Bhardwaj Under review. The Education Department has secured Shilpa Shetty’s Juhu property, claiming Kundra purchased the flat using illicit funds before transferring the ownership to his wife in the Bitcoin case.
In connection with the adult content case, authorities accused him of participating in the production of inappropriate material. He faces charges under various sections of the law, including the Indian Penal Code, the Indecent Conduct against Women (Prevention) Act and the Information Technology Act.
The investigation focuses on allegations that Kundera facilitated the streaming of adult videos through the “Hotshots” app, which has been removed from mobile platforms by Apple and Google. From his office at Viaan Industries, Kundera is reportedly responsible for managing the British company’s content supply. His IT director, Ryan Thorpe, oversees the app’s operations and financial transactions. Kundera told authorities he sold Hotshots for $25,000 in 2019 and founded Arms Prime Media.
