November 29, 2024: Businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, faced another major legal setback today as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided his residences and offices in connection with a money laundering investigation tied to the production and distribution of pornographic content.

The ED’s action is part of an ongoing probe into the alleged illegal monetisation of explicit material through mobile applications, particularly the now-defunct 'Hotshots' app. Kundra, who has been under investigation for several months, is accused of being a key figure in a scheme that generated substantial revenue by streaming adult content via the app, which was removed from major platforms like Apple and Google Play following public outcry and legal challenges.

The Enforcement Directorate's raids targeted not only Kundra’s properties but also the premises of other individuals believed to be involved in the operation. According to sources, the ED's investigation has uncovered financial transactions that suggest the illicit proceeds from the pornographic content were laundered through various channels. The probe into these financial dealings is expected to delve deeper into Kundra’s business operations and associations.

This is not the first time Raj Kundra has faced legal trouble related to such activities. In 2021, he was arrested by the Mumbai police in connection with a case involving the distribution of obscene material. He was later granted bail but has remained a subject of scrutiny by law enforcement agencies ever since.

In addition to the pornographic content case, the Enforcement Directorate is also investigating Kundra's alleged role in the Gain Bitcoin scam, a notorious crypto-ponzi scheme masterminded by Amit Bhardwaj. Earlier this year, the ED attached assets worth ₹ 98 crore belonging to Raj Kundra and his wife, Shilpa Shetty, alleging that these properties were acquired using funds generated from illicit activities, including proceeds from the Gain Bitcoin fraud.

The raids and the ongoing investigation have brought fresh attention to the controversial businessman, who has faced public and legal backlash over the past few years. With mounting legal pressures, it remains to be seen how this latest development will impact Kundra's business empire and his personal life.