ED Raids Mumbai Event Firm in Fairplay Betting Case
Bollywood Stars Under Investigation for Endorsements
On June 12, 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided a Mumbai-based event management firm as part of an ongoing investigation into the Fairplay case, linked to the Mahadev Betting app. The company is suspected of involving Bollywood celebrities like Sanjay Dutt, Jacqueline Fernandez, and singer-rapper Badshah in promoting the betting app. The ED has recorded statements from Badshah and the managers representing Dutt and Fernandez.
According to the Free Press Journal, an individual connected to the event management company had provided a statement to the ED a month prior to the raid. During the raid, various documents were seized from the company’s premises.
The ED is currently examining these seized documents, which include contracts with the celebrities for promoting Fairplay, details of payments, transactions, and other relevant company information indicating significant payments made for endorsements.
The inquiry began following an FIR filed by Maharashtra Cyber Police, Mumbai, based on a complaint from Viacom18 Media Pvt. Limited.
Information provided by Maharashtra Cyber Cell revealed that statements from Prateek Singh Sisodia (Badshah) and the managers of Sanjay Dutt and Jacqueline Fernandez were forwarded to the ED for further scrutiny.
Jacqueline Fernandez reportedly received a significant amount from Dubai-based Trim General Trading LLC for endorsing the betting app.
Badshah allegedly received payments from Lyukos Group FZF, a Melbourne-based company. His statement to the Maharashtra Cyber Cell included documents and contracts showing that Lyukos Group FZF had deals with two Mumbai-based talent management firms, TM Ventures Private Limited and Afterhours Production Private Limited, for promoting the betting app.
The investigation also revealed that actor Sanjay Dutt allegedly received Rs 25 lakhs from a Singapore-based gaming company for promoting the betting app on his Instagram and other social media platforms.
