Mumbai: The string of legal troubles for Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra continues to grow. Following the Income Tax Department raids in December, the couple now faces a new challenge as a court has issued summons in connection with a multi-crore Bitcoin scam.

What is the case?

Based on a complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a special court in Mumbai has issued summons to Raj Kundra and Dubai-based businessman Rajesh Satija under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Both accused have been directed to appear before the court on January 19.

Key Highlights of the Investigation:

* Receipt of 285 Bitcoins: The ED alleges that Raj Kundra received 285 Bitcoins from Amit Bhardwaj, the mastermind behind the 'Gain Bitcoin Ponzi Scam,' for the purpose of setting up a Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine.

* Valued at ₹150 Crore: The current market value of these 285 Bitcoins is estimated to be over ₹150 crore. However, the agreement made to acquire them has reportedly never been executed.

* Signature Discrepancies: Although the deal was between Raj Kundra and Amit Bhardwaj, the document bears the signature of Mahendra Bhardwaj (Amit’s father). This has raised suspicions, and the ED states that Kundra’s explanations regarding this discrepancy have been unsatisfactory.

Allegations of Evidence Tampering:

Despite the transaction dating back over seven years, Kundra has reportedly refused to provide the Bitcoin wallet addresses. The ED has dismissed Kundra’s claim that he could not provide the details because his "phone was damaged." The investigative agency views this as a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence.

Already embroiled in several legal battles, the court hearing on January 19 is expected to be a crucial turning point for Raj Kundra.