In a shocking turn of events, Bollywood actor Tamannaah Bhatia is now embroiled in controversy, as she was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday. The questioning, which took place in Guwahati, is in connection with a money laundering case involving the HPZ Token mobile app. The app is accused of swindling numerous investors by conning them in the name of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining. Bhatia, who reportedly received payment for a celebrity appearance linked to the app, has come under the ED’s radar and was summoned for questioning.

Tamannaah Bhatia Questioned by ED

Tamannaah Bhatia had received payment for making a celebrity appearance at an event associated with the HPZ Token app. The app is currently under investigation for its involvement in money laundering activities. According to PTI, no 'incriminating' charges have been brought against Bhatia as of yet. The actor was questioned solely about her appearance at the event and the payment she received.

Reports indicate that Bhatia was previously summoned but had postponed her appearance due to prior work commitments. However, she appeared before the ED on Thursday. The Enforcement Directorate filed a charge sheet in March, which implicated 299 entities, 76 of which are allegedly controlled by Chinese interests. Among the accused are 10 Chinese-origin directors and two entities managed by foreign nationals from other countries.

The ED’s investigation is based on an FIR lodged against several individuals associated with the HPZ Token app. It is alleged that the app targeted vulnerable investors, promising massive returns through Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining, only to deceive them.

According to the police, many victims had used the HPZ Token mobile application. Several bank accounts and merchant IDs connected to the app were reportedly linked to shell companies managed by dummy directors, who were responsible for concealing the illegal operations. The fraudulently obtained funds were allegedly used for illegal online gaming, betting, and investments in Bitcoin mining.

Tamannaah Bhatia has recorded her statement in the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at the ED zonal office in Guwahati. Stay tuned to Mobile Masala for more updates on this case and other developments from the world of streaming and films.

Read Also: Drake rocks pigtails with bubble barrettes, fans compare him to Snoop Dogg