In a developing story, actor Tamannaah Bhatia was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday as part of an investigation into a significant money laundering case associated with the HPZ Token mobile app. This app is accused of defrauding numerous investors in Assam by promising substantial returns through cryptocurrency mining.
The 34-year-old actress’s statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at the ED’s zonal office in Guwahati. While Bhatia reportedly received payments for making a “celebrity appearance” at an event organized to promote the app, ED officials stated that there are no incriminating charges against her.
Bhatia had initially deferred her appearance for questioning due to work commitments but complied with the agency’s summons on Thursday. According to sources, the HPZ Token scheme operated by enticing users with the promise of high returns on investments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Investors were reportedly led to believe that their investments would yield substantial daily returns, only for the operators to cease payouts after initial transactions.
The investigation revealed that companies linked to the HPZ Token, including Shigoo Technology and Lillion Technocab, were involved in laundering activities. These companies are tied to entities controlled by Chinese nationals and have also been implicated in operating unregistered gaming applications.
The ED’s probe has identified a total of 299 individuals and entities linked to the scam, with 76 of these being Chinese-controlled. Authorities have seized or frozen assets totaling hundreds of crores from various bank accounts and payment gateways, such as Razorpay, EaseBuzz, and Paytm, associated with the fraudulent scheme.
The inquiry began following an FIR filed by the Cyber Crime Police Station in Kohima, Nagaland, concerning the alleged cheating of unsuspecting investors through the HPZ Token app. This investigation is part of a wider effort to combat fraudulent online schemes and illegal betting activities connected to cryptocurrency investments.
As the case unfolds, the ED continues its investigation into this complex fraud, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by regulators in the rapidly evolving world of digital finance.
