Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty:
Background: Shilpa Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, are currently under scrutiny due to their alleged involvement in a Bitcoin ponzi scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken action by seizing assets worth Rs 97.79 crore linked to the couple. These assets include a residential flat in Juhu (registered in Shilpa Shetty’s name), a residential bungalow in Pune, and equity shares owned by Raj Kundra.
Bitcoin Transactions: The ED’s investigation revealed that Raj Kundra received 285 Bitcoins, valued at over Rs 150 crore, from Amit Bhardwaj. Amit Bhardwaj, known as the mastermind behind the GainBitcoin ponzi scheme, had allegedly transferred these funds to Kundra. Interestingly, Kundra had intended to utilize these Bitcoins for establishing a Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine, but the deal did not materialize.
Shilpa Shetty’s Stance: Shilpa Shetty vehemently denies any involvement in the case. She asserts that her decision to marry Raj Kundra was not influenced by his wealth, as she was financially secure herself at the time. According to her, Kundra’s charm and lovable personality were the reasons behind their marriage.
Previous Legal Troubles: This isn’t Raj Kundra’s first encounter with legal investigations. In 2021, he faced arrest in a case related to the production and distribution of pornographic films. However, he was subsequently granted bail by the Supreme Court.
Amit Bhardwaj: A Controversial Figure in Cryptocurrency
Background and Career: Amit K. Bhardwaj, born on January 17, 1983, gained prominence in the cryptocurrency space. His company, Amaze Mining and Blockchain Research Limited, operated various bitcoin-related ventures. Among these, GB Miners—an Indian bitcoin mining pool—was later exposed as a Ponzi scam in 2018.
GainBitcoin Scandal: Bhardwaj’s project, GainBitcoin, turned out to be one of the biggest bitcoin scams. The cyber cell of Pune Police arrested Bhardwaj, along with his brothers and co-founders of GB Miners, for orchestrating a US$300 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme.
Legal Consequences: Bhardwaj faced legal repercussions for running a pyramid scheme associated with the MCAP token linked to GainBitcoin. Multiple individuals connected to GainBitcoin, including Bhardwaj himself, were arrested.
Personal Life and Passing: Towards the end of his life, Bhardwaj battled kidney ailments. Tragically, he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away on January 15, 2022, at the age of 38.
In summary, Amit Bhardwaj’s legacy serves as a cautionary tale for investors navigating the crypto landscape. His ventures, once hailed as innovative, ultimately faced scrutiny and criticism for their fraudulent nature.
Note: This report has not been independently verified. Readers are encouraged to verify the information from reliable sources.
