ED Questions Actress Tamannaah Bhatia Over Cryptocurrency Fraud Case in Guwahati

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned actress Tamannaah Bhatia on Thursday in connection with a money laundering investigation in Guwahati. The inquiry pertains to the ‘HPZ Token’ mobile application, which allegedly defrauded numerous investors by promising returns through Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency mining activities. Bhatia’s statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at the ED’s Guwahati office, according to a statement from the agency.

Officials indicated that the 34-year-old actress received payments for making a “celebrity appearance” at an event associated with the ‘HPZ Token’ app. This app is currently the focus of the ED’s money laundering investigation. At this time, no incriminating charges have been filed against Bhatia, sources informed the Press Trust of India (PTI). Bhatia was summoned previously but deferred her appearance citing work commitments; she chose to attend the ED office on Thursday.

The case involves numerous entities, including 76 companies controlled by Chinese nationals, with a total of 299 entities named in the ED’s charge sheet filed in March. The investigation is rooted in a First Information Report (FIR) against multiple individuals connected with the app, who allegedly cheated investors by offering unrealistic returns through cryptocurrency investments. The involvement of ‘shell companies’ and ‘dummy’ directors has also been reported, with funds allegedly used for illegal online gaming and betting activities.

In its statement, the ED detailed the promises made by the accused, involving returns of ₹4,000 per day for three months from an investment of ₹57,000. However, these returns were paid only once, prompting the accused to solicit additional funds from the investors. Extensive raids across the nation have led to the seizure of assets and deposits worth approximately ₹455 crore.

The case against the ‘HPZ Token’ app represents just one facet of a broader investigation by financial authorities into illegal activities involving online gaming and cryptocurrency fraud.