Raj Kundra summoned by court in ₹150-crore Bitcoin scam case
In a significant development in the ₹150-crore Bitcoin scam case, a special court has summoned businessman Raj Kundra, the husband of Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, to appear before it on January 19. The court’s decision comes after it took cognizance of the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Kundra and Dubai-based businessman Rajesh Satija.
The ED had accused Kundra of having 285 Bitcoins worth over ₹150 crore in a Ponzi scam case, which was uncovered in September 2025. According to the ED, Kundra and Satija were involved in a complex web of financial transactions, using the cryptocurrency to launder money and defraud investors.
The chargesheet filed by the ED alleged that Kundra and Satija had conspired to cheat investors by promising them high returns on their investments in a cryptocurrency-based scheme. The scheme, which was touted as a lucrative investment opportunity, turned out to be a Ponzi scam, with the accused using the money from new investors to pay off earlier investors.
The ED’s investigation revealed that Kundra had acquired the 285 Bitcoins through a complex series of transactions, involving multiple shell companies and bank accounts. The agency alleged that Kundra had used the Bitcoins to launder money and conceal the proceeds of the crime.
The court’s decision to summon Kundra and Satija is a significant step forward in the investigation, which has been ongoing for several months. The ED had filed the chargesheet against the accused in September 2025, and the court has now taken cognizance of the charges, paving the way for the trial to begin.
The case has sparked widespread interest, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the large sums of money involved. The use of cryptocurrency in the scam has also raised concerns about the regulatory framework governing the use of digital currencies in India.
The ED’s investigation has highlighted the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrency-based schemes, which are often unregulated and vulnerable to manipulation. The agency has warned investors to be cautious when investing in such schemes, and to do their due diligence before parting with their money.
The summoning of Kundra and Satija is a reminder that the law enforcement agencies are taking a tough stance against those involved in financial crimes, including those using cryptocurrency to launder money or defraud investors. The case is expected to be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the large sums of money involved.
As the trial begins, it remains to be seen how the accused will respond to the charges against them. Kundra and Satija have denied any wrongdoing, and their lawyers are expected to mount a vigorous defense on their behalf. However, the ED’s investigation has uncovered significant evidence of wrongdoing, and the agency is confident of securing convictions in the case.
In conclusion, the summoning of Raj Kundra and Rajesh Satija by the special court is a significant development in the ₹150-crore Bitcoin scam case. The case highlights the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrency-based schemes and the need for investors to be cautious when parting with their money. As the trial begins, it remains to be seen how the accused will respond to the charges against them, and whether the ED will be able to secure convictions in the case.
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