ED Questions Tamannaah Bhatia in Money Laundering Probe Linked to HPZ Token App
ED Questions Tamannaah Bhatia in Money Laundering Probe Linked to HPZ Token App
Actress Tamannaah Bhatia was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the controversial ‘HPZ Token’ mobile app. The app is at the center of a probe involving allegations of defrauding investors under the guise of cryptocurrency mining, including Bitcoin.
Bhatia was summoned to the ED’s Guwahati office, where her statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to sources, the 34-year-old actress had made a “celebrity appearance” at an event organized by the HPZ Token app company, for which she received funds. However, no incriminating evidence has been found against her, the sources confirmed.
The case stems from allegations that the HPZ Token app lured investors by promising lucrative returns on investments linked to cryptocurrency mining and online gaming. According to an FIR, investors were promised daily returns of ₹4,000 for three months on an initial investment of ₹57,000. However, only the first payout was made, after which the investors were asked to provide fresh funds.
The ED has already conducted country-wide searches, leading to the seizure of assets worth ₹455 crore. The investigation has named 299 entities, including 76 entities controlled by Chinese nationals, as accused in a charge sheet filed in March. These entities, through shell companies and dummy directors, are alleged to have opened bank accounts to launder the funds.
Tamannaah Bhatia had previously deferred an earlier summons due to work commitments but appeared for questioning on Thursday. Despite the controversy surrounding the app, sources reiterated that there are no incriminating charges against the actress and her involvement appears limited to the celebrity appearance at the event.
