Here's why Tamannaah Bhatia was questioned by Enforcement Directorate in money-laundering case

Popular actress Tamannaah Bhatia was recently questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Guwahati in a money-laundering case associated with the HPZ Token mobile app. According to reports, the mobile app deceived investors by promising high returns through Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency mining. Though no charges have been filed against Tamannaah, she was paid by the app to make a ‘celebrity appearance’ for their event.

Tamannaah Bhatia questioned by ED

According to a report by PTI, actress Tamannaah Bhatia gave her statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at the ED zonal office in Guwahati on Thursday.  Tamannaah was summoned earlier for the investigation, but the actress postponed her appearance due to prior work commitments

The money-laundering investigation is based on an FIR lodged against several individuals associated with the app. The app is accused of swindling investors by promising them increased returns through Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining, and used the money for illegal online gaming, betting, and investments in Bitcoin mining

According to a chargesheet by ED, 299 people were accused in the case. Out of 299, 10 directors are of Chinese origin.   The accused are reported to have opened bank accounts and merchant IDs associated with the app through shell companies.

Tamannaah Bhatia’s acting projects

On the work front, Tamannaah Bhatia last appeared in Stree 2 where she played the role of Kshama and her song, ‘Aaj Ki Raat’ became an overnight sensation. The film, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, became one of the most successful films of Bollywood, earning more than Rs 800 at the box office. The actress also had an appearance in John Abraham and Sharvari Wagh starrer Vedaa, which was released along with Stree 2 in August. She was also seen in the Tamil film Aranmanai 4 earlier this year. Aranmanai 4 also featured Raashii Khanna, along with Tamannaah Bhatia, in the lead roles.

Tamannaah Bhatia will be seen in Ashok Teja’s thriller drama film Odela 2, and also has Neeraj Pandey's Sikandar Ka Muqaddar in the kitty. Also starring actor Avinash Tiwary, the film will release on Netflix.