A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai has summoned businessman Raj Kundra, husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, in connection with a GainBitcoin cryptocurrency fraud
and money-laundering case. The court took cognisance of a supplementary chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently and asked Kundra to appear before it on January 19, 2026.
Along with Raj Kundra, the court has also summoned Rajesh Ram Satija, a Dubai-based businessman, for their alleged roles in the case. As reported by Bollywood Hungama, in its order, the special judge observed 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.”
What Is The Case About?
The case pertains to the GainBitcoin scheme, a cryptocurrency investment and mining project that allegedly defrauded thousands of investors across India. It has been alleged that the mastermind of the scheme was Amit Bhardwaj, who is now dead. According to investigating agencies, the project promised high returns through Bitcoin mining, which ultimately never materialised.
As per the ED chargesheet, Kundra allegedly received proceeds of crime amounting to 285 Bitcoins from Bhardwaj. At the time of assessment by the agency, these Bitcoins were valued at over ₹150 crore. The ED has claimed that these digital assets were directly linked to criminal activities arising from the GainBitcoin scam and that Kundra continued to possess them without providing a satisfactory explanation regarding their lawful origin.
The enforcement agency has also alleged that Kundra’s role was not limited to that of a facilitator or mediator. Instead, he was a “beneficial owner”. The ED has also pointed to a property transaction involving five flats located in Mumbai’s upscale Juhu area. These flats are reportedly held in the name of Shilpa Shetty. Investigators have alleged that the property sale was executed at a price significantly below prevailing market rates, indicating a possible attempt to project tainted assets as legitimate.
More details about the case are awaited.
