Raj Kundra slams media for dragging Shilpa Shetty's name into his legal cases, says "Respect the boundaries!"

Businessman Raj Kundra has addressed the recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid on his properties as part of a money laundering investigation connected to the distribution of pornographic content. The ED's actions on Friday involved searches at multiple locations, including the homes and offices of Kundra and others linked to the case. This investigation is part of an ongoing probe that has lasted for several years, stemming from accusations related to the production and distribution of adult films through a mobile app owned by Kundra's company, Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd.

In a public statement on his Instagram account, Kundra emphasized his cooperation with the ED, stating, “I’m fully complying with the ongoing investigation that has been unfolding for the last four years.” He firmly denied the charges made against him, maintaining that sensationalized reports would not change the truth. Kundra also made it clear that he was not involved in the illegal activities alleged in the case. The investigation follows previous complaints and charge sheets filed by the Mumbai Police in 2021.

Kundra's statement also addressed the repeated inclusion of his wife, actress Shilpa Shetty, in media reports related to the case. He requested that her name be kept out of the investigation, asserting that it was “unacceptable” to involve her in unrelated matters. Kundra posted, “Please respect the boundaries!!!” referring to the need for privacy for his wife, who has not been named as a suspect or charged in the case.

The money laundering case at the center of the investigation is linked to the app Hotshots, which was owned by Armsprime Media Pvt Ltd. The app allegedly lured young aspiring actors under the pretense of auditions, but instead coerced them into filming nude and semi-nude scenes. Following the app's operations, financial investigations revealed that approximately 119 adult videos were sold for USD 1.2 million. Kundra was arrested in July 2021 in connection with these allegations but was granted bail after spending two months in jail.

The ongoing ED probe is focused on allegations of money laundering related to the operations of Hotshots. Investigators are examining financial transactions and other evidence that could link Kundra and others to the illegal distribution and sale of adult content. Despite these investigations, Kundra continues to deny any direct involvement in the production of the films, maintaining that he was not personally responsible for the adult content distributed through the app.

This investigation marks the second major legal issue for Raj Kundra in 2024. Earlier this year, the ED attached assets worth ₹98 crore belonging to Kundra and Shetty in connection with a separate cryptocurrency case. The couple challenged the attachment in court, and the Bombay High Court granted them relief by staying the order. Kundra’s ongoing legal challenges highlight the continued scrutiny he faces from law enforcement authorities.