Tamannaah Bhatia, a prominent Indian actor, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday as part of an investigation into the HPZ Token mobile app scam. The app allegedly lured investors with promises of high returns through Bitcoin mining and cryptocurrency investments, but defrauded them instead. The ED is investigating multiple individuals and entities in connection with the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Tamannaah Bhatia was summoned by the ED after it was revealed that she had been paid for a celebrity appearance at an event associated with the HPZ Token company. While she complied with the investigation, officials noted that no charges have been filed against her. The case involves 299 entities, including 76 controlled by Chinese nationals, who are accused of scamming investors.
Bhatia appeared at the ED’s Guwahati office on Thursday, October 19. She had previously delayed her appearance due to professional commitments but agreed to comply with the summons as part of the ongoing investigation.
The investigation is being conducted by the ED’s Guwahati office. The case has led to nationwide raids in various locations across India as part of efforts to crack down on the fraudulent activities of the HPZ Token app.
The ED’s investigation centers around a massive scam linked to the HPZ Token mobile app, which promised investors large returns on cryptocurrency investments and Bitcoin mining operations. However, the scheme defrauded investors through fake promises. The scam was uncovered after the cybercrime unit of the Kohima Police filed an FIR, leading to the ED’s involvement.
The ED uncovered that the accused used the HPZ Token app to defraud investors and funnel money through shell companies with fake directors. They created complex financial layers to hide the proceeds of the scam. One example cited was a scheme that promised daily returns of Rs 4,000 on a Rs 57,000 investment but ultimately scammed participants. The ED has conducted nationwide raids, seizing assets worth Rs 455 crore as investigations continue.
 on Thursday as part of an investigation into){kind=link}