Mumbai: As part of a money laundering investigation into the creation and dissemination of pornographic content via mobile apps, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided businessman Raj Kundra’s home and businesses today. Approximately fifteen locations were searched as part of the ED’s operation, including Mr. Kundra’s home in Juhu.
After being accused of being a major participant in a conspiracy to profit from obscene video streamed through the now-defunct ‘Hotshots’ app, Mr. Kundra, the spouse of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, has been under investigation by the ED for months. Following public and legal attention, the app that was previously accessible on platforms such as Apple and Google Play was taken down.
Under the guise of web series auditions, the app purportedly enticed aspiring performers. Nevertheless, it has been stated that the performers were forced against their will to record nude or semi-nude scenes. According to the authorities, there were WhatsApp conversations on Mr. Kundra’s phone that showed financial transactions connected to Kenrin, including talks of selling 119 pornographic films for USD 1.2 million.
Mr. Kundra has denied any wrongdoing and stated that he was not actively involved in the creation of pornographic material. He has referred to himself as a “scapegoat” in the case and said that he was wrongfully implicated. Mr. Kundra has a history of court disputes. In a related case involving pornographic material, Mumbai police detained him in 2021; he was later freed on bail.