Businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, is facing legal scrutiny as a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai has summoned him. This action is in connection with the high-profile GainBitcoin cryptocurrency fraud and money-laundering case, with Kundra directed to appear on January 19, 2026.
ED's Allegations Against Raj Kundra
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a supplementary prosecution complaint, asserting that Kundra allegedly received 285 Bitcoins, valued at over Rs 150 crores, from the late Amit Bhardwaj, who is identified as the mastermind behind the GainBitcoin scheme. The agency claims these assets originated from criminal activities related to a crypto-mining project that ultimately never materialised. A key part of the ED's case is the allegation that Kundra was not just a mediator but a beneficial owner of these illicit Bitcoins.
Attempted Concealment of Funds
To mask the origin of these substantial funds, the ED alleges that a property sale involving five flats in Mumbai’s Juhu area, held under Shilpa Shetty’s name, was executed significantly below market value. This transaction is being investigated as a potential attempt to conceal the illicit origin of the assets.
Court's Stance and Further Summons
A special judge has noted that a “prima facie case has been made out to take cognisance and to proceed against accused Nos. 17 and 18 (Kundra and Rajesh Satija) for the offence under Section 3 … of the PMLA and to issue process against them.” Alongside Kundra, Dubai-based businessman Rajesh Ram Satija has also been summoned in connection with this complex case.
The GainBitcoin Scheme: A Wider Fraud
The GainBitcoin matter stems from multiple FIRs filed by police in Pune and Nanded, implicating Bhardwaj and others on serious charges including: * Cheating * Criminal breach of trust * Conspiracy * Violations of the Information Technology Act
Earlier investigations by law-enforcement agencies revealed that the broader cryptocurrency scheme involved over Rs 6,600 crores. This massive fraud lured investors with promises of high returns through cloud mining before collapsing and leaving countless claimants in its wake. The ED has previously taken enforcement actions, including attaching movable and immovable properties linked to the case, which were confirmed by the PMLA Adjudicating Authority.
It is also notable that the Bombay High Court had previously asked Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra to deposit Rs 60 crores for travel and LOC relief in a related context.
