ED interrogates actress Tamannaah Bhatia in Bitcoin mining scam
Actress Tamannaah Bhatia was questioned by the ED in Guwahati on Thursday in connection with the investigation into the case related to ‘HPZ Token’ mobile app, in which several investors were allegedly duped on the pretext of mining Bitcoin and some other cryptocurrencies. Sources further revealed that the actress had appeared at an event of HPZ Token for which she was paid an appearance fee, but there were no “criminal” charges against her.
ED) filed a chargesheet in March
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet in March, naming a total of 299 entities accused in a money laundering case linked to cyber crime. Of these, 76 institutions are controlled by Chinese citizens, out of which ten directors are of Chinese origin. In addition, two entities are managed by other foreign nationals.
The case began with a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the cyber crime unit of Kohima Police. The FIR alleges that various persons defrauded investors by promising extraordinary returns through Bitcoin mining and other cryptocurrency ventures.
According to ED
According to the ED, the accused used ‘HPZ Token’ mobile application to defraud investors. The agency revealed that several “shell entities” were created with “dummy” directors to facilitate “layering” of illicit funds. These accounts were allegedly used to stash money derived from illegal online gaming, betting and cryptocurrency investments. Were opened for.
Investors were promised huge returns – specifically, Rs 4,000 per day for three months on an investment of Rs 57,000. However, the payment was made only once, after which the accused started demanding additional money from the investors.
The ED conducted raids in a nationwide operation which resulted in the seizure of immovable properties and bank deposits totaling Rs 455 crore, exposing the scale of the alleged fraud.