Businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, has been named in a fresh Enforcement Directorate (ED) chargesheet for allegedly possessing 285 Bitcoins linked to a money laundering case. The digital assets, valued at approximately ₹150.47 crore, are believed to be proceeds from a fraudulent crypto investment scheme operated by jailed accused Amit Bhardwaj.
According to ED officials, Kundra was offered the Bitcoins in 2017 as part of a deal to promote Bhardwaj’s GainBitcoin platform. The agency alleges that Kundra accepted the offer but failed to disclose or return the assets, which were traced during forensic analysis of wallets and transaction logs.
The chargesheet, filed before a special PMLA court in Mumbai, accuses Kundra of withholding information and benefiting from proceeds of crime. He has denied all allegations, stating that he never received or used the Bitcoins and that his name is being dragged into the case without evidence.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for crypto-related financial crimes in India, especially as regulatory frameworks around digital assets remain in flux. The ED has intensified its crackdown on crypto scams, with multiple arrests and asset seizures in recent months.
Shilpa Shetty has not commented publicly on the matter. Sources close to the family say she is “distressed” by the renewed scrutiny and is focusing on her professional commitments.
Civic Lens:
The case underscores the urgent need for transparent crypto regulations and public awareness around digital asset fraud. Citizens are advised to verify investment platforms and avoid schemes promising unrealistic returns.