Quick Summary
The investigation into 29 actors, influencers and YouTubers for allegedly endorsing illegal online betting platforms could soon widen, as the GST department is reportedly preparing to examine possible tax violations linked to these endorsements. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier booked the celebrities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, after uncovering over Rs 50 crore in payments made to various media and marketing firms. These firms were allegedly involved i
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FAQ :
The GST department may investigate celebrities for potential tax violations linked to their endorsements of illegal online betting apps, examining if income from these promotions was properly declared.
The article mentions offshore betting apps such as Parimatch and JeetWin, which are banned in India.
The ED had previously booked the celebrities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after uncovering over £50 million in payments made to firms promoting these betting apps.
A framework introduced in 2023 mandates registration for offshore gaming and betting platforms catering to Indian users, though this registration does not legalise the activity itself but ensures tax compliance.
Potential violations include those under Section 122 and Section 132 of the CGST Act, 2017, concerning the suppression of taxable transactions and tax evasion.
Concerns include the apps allegedly causing financial distress to users, particularly youth, who were misled by celebrity endorsements into believing they were legitimate entertainment platforms.
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