Published on: 25 January, 2026 17:13 IST
Raj Kundra, the British-Indian businessman married to Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty, has long been a figure of intrigue in the public eye. Known for his ventures in sports, entertainment, and tech startups, Kundra’s life took a dramatic turn in the early 2020s when he became embroiled in a series of high-profile legal controversies. His 2021 arrest for allegedly producing and distributing pornographic content sent shockwaves through India’s entertainment industry, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With ongoing investigations into money laundering, cryptocurrency scams, and fraud allegations, Kundra’s story reads like a thriller script complete with apps, raids, and courtroom twists. Let’s dive into the details, starting from his ill-fated foray into adult content apps and tracing the developments up to the latest updates in 2026.
The Seeds of Controversy: The 2019 Armsprime Media Debacle
Kundra’s troubles can be traced back to 2019, a year marked by ambitious investments and rapid fallout. That year, Kundra invested in a celebrity app startup called Armsprime Media, which aimed to connect stars with fans through digital platforms. As part of this venture, Armsprime signed controversial model and actress Poonam Pandey as a client, reportedly for a hefty Rs 60 lakhs. The deal seemed promising at first, but things quickly soured.
Pandey’s personalized app was launched in 2019, featuring bold content that pushed boundaries. However, just one month in, the contract was terminated amid payment disputes. Armsprime Media claimed they ended the agreement because the content posted by Pandey was “too bold,” leading to the app being banned from Google Play for violating policies on explicit material. Pandey, on her part, accused the company of non-payment and filed a criminal case in the High Court later that year, escalating the matter into a legal battle.
Amid the chaos, Kundra publicly stated that he had exited the startup and sold his shares back to the founders, distancing himself from the controversy. But this was far from the end—his name would resurface in even bigger scandals tied to the same company.
Escalation to HotShots: The 2020 Pivot and 2021 Arrest
Undeterred by the Armsprime fallout, the company pivoted in 2020 by developing a new app called HotShots. This platform featured “hot pics and videos” of Indian models, including names like Gehana Vasisth, positioning itself as a hub for adult-oriented content. While adult entertainment isn’t inherently illegal in India, the app’s operations allegedly crossed lines into producing and distributing pornographic material without proper regulations.
The hammer fell in 2021 when Mumbai Police raided a bungalow in Madh Island, arresting members of the HotShots team for posting adult content on the web. Investigations revealed that the app was used to stream and monetize explicit films, leading to charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act. Shockingly, despite his earlier claims of divestment, Kundra’s name popped up again as an investor in Armsprime Media. This connection led to his dramatic arrest in July 2021, where he was accused of being a “key conspirator” in the production and distribution of pornographic films through mobile apps. He spent 63 days in Arthur Road Jail before being granted bail in September 2021, but the case dragged on, tarnishing his reputation and drawing intense media scrutiny.
During his time in custody, Kundra later reflected on the experience as his “darkest days,” noting how some friendships “vanished overnight” while others strengthened. The arrest not only highlighted the murky world of digital adult content in India but also raised questions about celebrity involvement in unregulated tech ventures.
Post-Arrest Turmoil: Money Laundering Probes and Raids (2024-2025)
Even after bail, Kundra’s legal woes intensified. By late 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) entered the fray, investigating money laundering angles tied to the pornography case. In November 2024, ED officials raided Kundra’s Santacruz residence as part of a probe into alleged financial irregularities from the production and distribution of adult films. The agency claimed that proceeds from these activities were laundered through various channels, including international transactions.
Kundra faced multiple summons from the ED, but compliance issues arose. In December 2024, he skipped a scheduled hearing, prompting fresh summons for the following day. This pattern continued into 2025; in August, he again missed an ED appearance related to the same money laundering case, leading to yet another summons. These repeated no-shows fueled speculation about his strategies to navigate the investigations.
Adding to the complexity, Kundra and Shilpa Shetty faced additional charges in a separate Rs 60 crore fraud case involving loan defaults. Kundra cited demonetization as a reason for the default, but the Bombay High Court in 2025 restricted his travel, denying interim relief for a trip to Thailand in October amid the ongoing disputes. Shilpa Shetty was also implicated, with the couple rubbishing reports of her receiving Rs 15 crore in the fraud matter.
The Latest Twist: Bitcoin Scam and Rs 150 Crore Allegations (2026)
As of January 2026, Kundra’s saga has taken a fresh, explosive turn with his involvement in a massive Bitcoin ponzi scheme. The ED has filed a chargesheet in the GainBitcoin cryptocurrency fraud case, alleging that Kundra held bitcoins worth Rs 150 crores linked to the scam. This multi-crore ponzi scheme, masterminded by the late Amit Bhardwaj, promised investors high returns on Bitcoin investments but allegedly defrauded thousands.
A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai took cognizance of the chargesheet and issued summons to Kundra, directing him to appear on January 19, 2026. The court also summoned Dubai-based businessman Rajesh Ram Satija in connection with the case. Reports suggest Kundra’s bitcoins were part of the laundered assets, tying back to broader money laundering investigations. This development has reignited public interest, with media outlets speculating on potential arrests or asset seizures.
In a related move, the Bombay High Court has imposed conditions on Kundra’s travel, requiring him to deposit Rs 60 crore for any international trips, further complicating his personal and professional life.
What Lies Ahead for Raj Kundra?
Raj Kundra’s journey from a successful entrepreneur- co-owning IPL team Rajasthan Royals (before a betting scandal in 2013) and building a fitness empire to a defendant in multiple high-stakes cases is a cautionary tale about the perils of unregulated digital ventures. His marriage to Shilpa Shetty has kept the spotlight on, with the couple often addressing rumors head-on through social media and public statements. Yet, with the Bitcoin case heating up and previous probes unresolved, 2026 could be a pivotal year.
Will Kundra clear his name, or will these entanglements lead to more severe consequences? Only time—and the courts—will tell. In the meantime, his story continues to captivate, blending elements of glamour, greed, and grit in India’s ever-evolving legal landscape.