The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned actor Tamannaah Bhatia on Thursday in connection with a money laundering investigation tied to the ‘HPZ Token’ mobile app, a cryptocurrency platform accused of duping investors under the pretence of Bitcoin mining, according to official sources.
Bhatia, 34, provided her statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at the ED’s zonal office. The investigation centres around funds the actor allegedly received for a celebrity appearance at an event hosted by the app’s company. Sources confirmed that no incriminating evidence has been found against her so far.
Earlier summoned by the ED, Bhatia had deferred her appearance due to professional commitments before finally complying with the investigation on Thursday.
The case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the cybercrime unit of Kohima Police. The report alleges that various individuals lured investors with promises of astronomical returns from Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining via the ‘HPZ Token’ app. This app was reportedly used to defraud investors through false promises, including returns of Rs 4,000 per day on investments of Rs 57,000 for three months. However, investors were paid only once before being asked for additional funds.
A total of 299 entities, including 76 Chinese-controlled firms, have been named in the ED’s charge sheet, filed in March. Among these, 10 directors are Chinese nationals, with others from foreign countries. According to the ED, shell companies with dummy directors were created to launder the proceeds from illegal online gaming, betting, and fraudulent investments in Bitcoin mining.
The ED has conducted nationwide raids in relation to the case, seizing immovable assets and deposits worth Rs 455 crore.
