Tollywood Celebrities and Influencers Under ED Scanner for Promoting Illegal Betting Apps
Hyderabad, March 22, 2025 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into the alleged endorsement of illegal betting apps by top Telugu actors, social media influencers, and YouTubers. The agency plans to file Enforcement Case Information Reports (ECIRs) and issue summons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on multiple cases registered in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
Crackdown on Betting Promotions in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
Authorities in Telangana have registered four cases at Miyapur, Panjagutta, Noothankal, and Cyberabad Cyber Crime police stations, while another case has been lodged in Visakhapatnam. The investigations revealed that several victims suffered huge financial losses after investing in betting apps promoted by celebrities and influencers.
Key Complaints and Allegations
1. YouTuber Harsha Sai Booked for Misleading Promotions
On December 11, 2024, Bandaru Venkatesh, a restaurant worker, filed a complaint against YouTuber Kathira Harsha Sai. He claimed to have lost ₹13.67 lakh after following betting links shared by Sai for platforms like Parimatch and Lotus 365. Venkatesh alleged that Sai misled followers by falsely portraying these platforms as legal and fabricating winning claims.
2. Police Constable Accuses YouTuber Sunny Yadav
On March 5, 2025, Manoj Kumar, a police constable, lodged a complaint against YouTuber Bayya Sandeep, aka Sunny Yadav, for promoting illegal betting apps via Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Telegram. The complaint stated that Yadav promised easy money through small investments, leading to youth losing money and, in some cases, suicides linked to betting-related distress.
3. Betting Networks Worth Thousands of Crores
On March 17, 2025, Vinay Vangala, a private employee, filed a complaint in Miyapur, alleging that betting app promotions were rampant among students in his training center. He named several influencers, including Imran Khan, Vishnu Priya, Shyamala, and Tasty Teja, accusing them of promoting a betting network worth thousands of crores.
4. Top Tollywood Celebrities Named in Complaint
On March 19, 2025, PM Phanindra Sarma of Miyapur submitted a petition identifying prominent actors and influencers allegedly endorsing betting apps. The list includes:
- Rana Daggubati
- Prakash Raj
- Vijay Deverakonda
- Manchu Lakshmi
- Pranitha Subhash
The case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Telangana Gaming Act, and Section 66(D) of the IT Act.
5. Vizag Resident Loses ₹3.09 Crore
Puli Kumar Reddy, a resident of Visakhapatnam, reported losing ₹3.09 crore due to online and offline betting over four years. He accused social media influencers, including ‘Local Boi Nani’, of promoting Dafabet, 1XBET, and Betway. Authorities registered a case and initiated a probe into the online betting syndicate.
Actor Vijay Deverakonda Issues Clarification
Following his name being mentioned in the Miyapur complaint, Vijay Deverakonda clarified that his endorsement was only for A23, a legal skill-based gaming platform. His legal team stated that the Supreme Court had distinguished skill-based games from gambling, and he ended his association with A23 in 2023.
Enforcement Directorate to Probe Money Laundering Links
With complaints mounting and victims losing crores, the ED is set to trace financial transactions linked to betting platforms and celebrities benefiting from illegal promotions. The investigation will determine potential money laundering activities, with further legal action expected in the coming weeks.
Authorities are urging the public to stay away from betting schemes, warning that promotional endorsements do not guarantee legitimacy.
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