Tamannaah Bhatia Questioned by Authorities in Money Laundering Investigation
Tamannaah Bhatia was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Guwahati on Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation into a money laundering case linked to the ‘HPZ Token’ mobile app, according to sources from the Press Trust of India (PTI). The app is at the center of a scam in which numerous investors were allegedly defrauded under the guise of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining.
The ED recorded the 34-year-old actor’s statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at its local office. Sources revealed that Bhatia had received payments for making a “celebrity appearance” at an event associated with the app company. However, no incriminating evidence has been found against her so far.
Bhatia had previously been summoned by the agency but postponed her appearance due to professional commitments, eventually opting to present herself on Thursday.
Tamannaah Bhatia Questioned by Authorities in Money Laundering Investigation
The ED’s charge sheet, filed in March, names 299 entities, including 76 Chinese-controlled companies, as accused in the case. Among them, 10 directors are of Chinese origin, and two entities are led by other foreign nationals. The money laundering case originates from an FIR registered by the cybercrime unit of Kohima Police. Which accused several individuals of deceiving investors by promising substantial returns through Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining.
The ‘HPZ Token’ mobile app was allegedly used by the accused to defraud investors, who were lured with promises of high returns. The ED stated that multiple shell companies, with fake directors, were set up to launder the illegal proceeds. These funds were funneled into unauthorized online gaming, betting, and cryptocurrency mining schemes.
The fraudulent scheme promised investors a return of ₹4,000 per day for three months on an investment of ₹57,000. However, after an initial payment, the investors were asked for additional funds, which were never returned.
The ED conducted nationwide raids in connection with the case, seizing assets and deposits worth ₹455 crore.