ED questions Tamannaah Bhatia in money laundering case linked to ‘HPZ Token’ app

Bollywood actor Tamannaah Bhatia was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Guwahati as part of an ongoing investigation into a money laundering case in connection with the ‘HPZ Token’ mobile app. This app allegedly defrauded numerous investors under the pretense of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining. The 34-year-old actor’s statement was recorded by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at its zonal office.

According to PTI, Tamannaah had allegedly received payments for a “celebrity appearance” at an event organized by the app’s company, although there are no significant charges against her. She had been summoned earlier but deferred her appearance due to prior commitments, eventually attending on Thursday.

In March, the ED filed a charge sheet naming 299 accused entities, including 76 Chinese-controlled companies. Among these, 10 directors were of Chinese origin, while two other companies were controlled by foreign nationals.

The money laundering case finds its origin in an FIR lodged by the cyber crimes unit of Kohima Police, accusing several individuals of duping unsuspecting investors by promising massive returns through cryptocurrency mining.

The ‘HPZ Token’ mobile app was reportedly used to deceive investors. The ED stated that several bank accounts and merchant IDs were opened by shell companies with dummy directors to “layer” the proceeds of the crime. The funds received were allegedly used for illegal online gambling, betting, and Bitcoin mining.