Actress Tamannaah Bhatia was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday in Guwahati regarding a money laundering investigation linked to the 'HPZ Token' mobile app, according to official sources, as reported by India Today. The app is under scrutiny for allegedly defrauding several investors under the guise of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining.
As per sources quoted by PTI, the ‘Stree 2’ actress had received payment for a 'celebrity appearance' at an event associated with the HPZ Token app, which is now being investigated for its involvement in money laundering.
Tamannaah Bhatia Questioned Over Alleged Money Laundering Case
Tamannaah Bhatia was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday about an ongoing money laundering investigation. The case involves the 'HPZ Token' mobile app, which has been accused of defrauding investors under the guise of cryptocurrency mining. The 34-year-old actress provided her statement at the ED's zonal office under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The ED's investigation stems from an FIR filed against several individuals linked to the app, who are accused of misleading investors with promises of huge returns through Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency mining.
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According to reports, police disclosed that the HPZ Token app was used by the accused to scam investors. They allegedly created bank accounts and merchant IDs tied to the app through shell companies managed by fake directors, allowing them to hide their illicit activities. The FIR claims that these funds were misused for illegal online gaming, betting, and cryptocurrency investments, particularly in Bitcoin mining, as per Pinkvilla.
The questioning, which lasted several hours, was also tied to accusations of promoting the illegal streaming of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches through a controversial app associated with the Mahadev online gaming and betting platform.
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Sources informed PTI that there were no incriminating charges against Tamannaah Bhatia. She had allegedly received payment for a "celebrity appearance" at an event organised by the app company. Bhatia had earlier postponed the Enforcement Directorate's summons due to her work commitments.
What Is ‘HPZ Token’ Scam?
The HPZ token cryptocurrency scam involved a fraudulent scheme centred around an app-based token called “HPZ,” which falsely promised investors high returns from cryptocurrency mining, particularly Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Victims were enticed with the assurance that their investments would double. While initial payouts were made to some investors, the operators eventually halted payments and made the platform inaccessible.
Investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered that companies linked to the HPZ token, Shigoo Technology and Lillion Technocab, were involved in money laundering. These companies were tied to Chinese-controlled entities and operated unregistered gaming apps.
According to Mint, the ED's investigation has implicated 299 individuals and entities in the scam, including 76 Chinese-controlled entities. Of these, 10 directors are of Chinese origin, and two other entities are controlled by foreign nationals.
Tamannaah Bhatia Work Front
On the professional front, Tamannaah Bhatia recently appeared in ‘Vedaa,’ sharing the screen with John Abraham, Sharvari Wagh, Abhishek Banerjee, and Kshitij Chauhan. The film was directed by Nikkhil Advani.
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In addition, she made a cameo appearance in ‘Stree 2,’ which stars Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, alongside Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee in prominent roles.
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Credits: Tamannaah Bhatia Instagram
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