business, crime, cybersecurity, entertainment, law

ED Files Supplementary Prosecution Complaint Against Raj Kundra In ₹6,606 Crore Bitcoin Scam

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**Mumbai:** The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has submitted a supplementary prosecution complaint against Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty’s husband and businessman Raj Kundra in connection with the money laundering probe related to a Rs 6,606 crore bitcoin scam involving the Delhi-based company Variabletech Pvt Ltd (VTPL).

### ED’s Allegations

The agency alleges that Kundra received 285 bitcoins worth Rs 150.47 crore in April 2024 from Amit Bharadwaj, director of VTPL, who passed away while the case was pending. The bitcoins were reportedly intended for setting up a Bitcoin mining farm in 2017. However, as the deal could not materialise, the ED claims Kundra still possesses the bitcoins, which allegedly constitute proceeds of crime.

Furthermore, the ED states that Kundra has refused to share any details regarding these transactions.

### Property Transactions Linked

In addition to the bitcoin allegations, the ED claims Kundra purchased immovable properties in Juhu and Pune using the proceeds of crime. It is also alleged that Kundra transferred these properties into the name of his wife, Shilpa Shetty, at half their market value.

The agency has filed a second supplementary prosecution complaint not only against Kundra but also against a Delhi-based businessman, Rajesh Satija, as part of its ongoing probe.

### Conflicting Versions and Investigation Details

The ED uncovered several inconsistencies in Kundra’s explanation about the receipt of bitcoins from Amit Bharadwaj. According to the prosecution complaint, Amit had transferred 285 bitcoins to Kundra for investment in a joint venture aimed at setting up a new Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine.

In statements recorded in April and June 2018, Amit claimed that he was approached by Kundra and Shetty for this joint venture, for which they sought $2.25 million in bitcoin. Amit said he had transferred $1 million (approximately 300 bitcoins) by the end of July 2017, with the remaining amount expected after the agreement was finalized.

While Kundra admitted to receiving the funds, he claimed he was merely a mediator between his Israeli friend Shlomi Amouyal (alias Tom) and Amit. Kundra said that Amit transferred the bitcoins to Tom’s wallets, and the deal was later cancelled when Amit failed to send the remaining amount.

Amit, however, stated that he spoke to Tom, who identified himself as a tech contact for Kundra. The ED also noted that Kundra refused to provide wallet details, citing loss of information due to phone issues in 2018, during the ongoing investigation.

### ED’s Findings and Actions

The ED pointed out glaring mismatches in the versions presented by Amit and Kundra. It revealed that Kundra had sent a term sheet to Amit, which acted as an agreement but did not mention Tom. The agency rejected Kundra’s claim of being only a mediator.

According to the ED, “It is clear that the deal to establish Bitcoin mining farms was made between Kundra and Amit (through his father Mahendra Bharadwaj). Since the deal did not materialise, Kundra is still in possession and enjoyment of 285 Bitcoins valued at Rs 150.47 crore.”

The agency further alleged that Kundra deliberately withheld wallet addresses and failed to surrender the 285 bitcoins.

The ED is actively investigating money laundering allegations against VTPL and its directors, Ajay Bhardwaj and his late brother Amit Bhardwaj. They are accused of luring investors by promising high returns in bitcoins and cryptocurrency developed by them, reportedly amassing 80,000 bitcoins (worth Rs 6,606 crore in November 2017) through the Bhardwaj family and other MLM agents.

### Case Background

In April last year, ED had attached several properties linked to Kundra, including five flats in the Ocean View Society on Juhu Tara Road worth Rs 82 crore, and a bungalow in Pune valued at Rs 11 crore. These properties were transferred in Shilpa Shetty’s name.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/ed-files-supplementary-prosecution-complaint-against-raj-kundra-in-6606-crore-bitcoin-scam

government, politics, security

Ministry Of Home Affairs Extends AFSPA For 6 Months In Parts Of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland

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New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another six months in certain parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, officials said.

According to three separate notifications issued by the MHA, the further extension of the special law will be effective from October 1.

The AFSPA, which grants armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest, and open fire if deemed necessary for the “maintenance of public order,” was extended for six more months in the entire state of Manipur, excluding areas under the jurisdiction of 13 police stations across five districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

Manipur, which has 16 districts, has been ravaged by ethnic violence between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribals since May 3, 2023. This prolonged conflict has claimed over 260 lives.

Following the unrest, Manipur has been under President’s rule since February 13, just four days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who led the second BJP government, resigned on February 9.

The MHA notification stated that after reviewing the law and order situation in Manipur, the central government, in exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958, extended the Act for another six months effective October 1.

In Nagaland, the AFSPA has been extended in eight districts — Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Peren — along with 21 police stations in five other districts: Kohima, Mokokchung, Longleng, Wokha, and Zunheboto. These areas have been declared ‘disturbed areas’ for six months from April 1.

Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, the AFSPA has been extended in Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, including areas under the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district bordering Assam. These have also been declared ‘disturbed areas’ for six months effective October 1.

The government reviewed the law and order situations in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh before deciding to extend the Act in these regions.

Meanwhile, various organizations in Manipur, including the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF), Nupi Khunai-Yairipok, and Meira Paibis, continue to agitate, demanding the withdrawal of AFSPA from the state.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier noted that the MHA has lifted AFSPA from many parts of his state. “At one time, the entire state was under AFSPA. The Centre has steadily reduced the areas where the Act applies,” Sarma said.

Originally imposed across Assam in 1990 due to insurgent activities led by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), AFSPA has been renewed every six months since, with periodic reviews gradually excluding certain areas based on improvements in security.

With significant improvements, AFSPA was lifted from Tripura in 2015, Meghalaya in 2018, and Mizoram in the 1980s.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/ministry-of-home-affairs-extends-afspa-for-6-months-in-parts-of-manipur-arunachal-pradesh-nagaland

conflict, international relations, Middle East, peace process, politics

Tony Blair eyes key role in Gaza under Trump peace plan – report

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is reportedly seeking a senior role in managing postwar Gaza under a peace plan being developed by the Trump administration, according to the Financial Times. The newspaper cited sources briefed on the proposal. Reuters has not yet been able to verify the report.

The Financial Times also revealed that Mr. Blair has been proposed to chair a supervisory board called the Gaza International Transitional Authority. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to address the situation in Gaza following the conflict.

Mr. Blair participated in a late August meeting convened by U.S. President Donald Trump, which focused on tackling Israel’s war in Gaza and planning for the territory’s post-war future.

Earlier in July, the Financial Times reported that the Tony Blair Institute was involved in a project to develop a post-war Gaza reconstruction plan. The think tank clarified that none of its discussions with various groups about Gaza’s reconstruction included the possibility of forcible relocation of people from the area.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/tony-blair-eyes-key-role-in-gaza-under-trump-peace-plan-report-1811396.html

british football, europa league, football, sports

Friday’s briefing: John McGinn gives Villa victory and more woe for Rangers

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Aston Villa secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Bologna in their Europa League opener at Villa Park.

### John McGinn Earns Aston Villa’s First Win

John McGinn’s early strike earned Aston Villa a much-needed victory in a hard-fought contest. Under Unai Emery, who is aiming to win the Europa League for a fifth time, Villa finally found the net at home after scoring only twice in their first six games of the season—both goals coming away from Villa Park.

Ollie Watkins came off the bench and had a penalty saved in the second half, prolonging his goal drought for the campaign. Meanwhile, Bologna goalkeeper Marco Bizot made several important saves but couldn’t prevent Villa from claiming the win.

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### Oh Hyeon-gyu Turns Up the Heat at Ibrox

Genk defeated 10-man Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox, with former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the decisive goal after missing an earlier penalty. The Belgian visitors hit the woodwork in the first half, and Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande was shown a straight red card in the 41st minute.

In added time, Rangers keeper Jack Butland saved a penalty from Oh, but the striker eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a close-range finish.

Rangers manager Russell Martin, who recently received some relief following a 2-0 win over Hibernian, remains under pressure as disgruntled fans voiced their frustrations at the final whistle.

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### William Saliba Agrees New Arsenal Contract

Arsenal defender William Saliba has agreed to a contract extension, according to the PA news agency. Reports indicate the France international has signed a five-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2030.

Saliba’s previous contract was set to expire in 2027. His impressive performances for the Gunners have reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old joined Arsenal from St Etienne in July 2019 but spent the following season on loan in France, with additional loan spells at Nice and Marseille. Since establishing himself at Emirates Stadium, Saliba has earned 28 caps for France and scored seven goals in 139 appearances across all competitions.

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### Rio Ngumoha Signs First Professional Contract with Liverpool

Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract, just a month after turning 17. The winger, who arrived from Chelsea a year ago, has quickly risen through the ranks and earned a three-year deal with the Reds.

Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest goal-scorer at 16 years and 361 days after netting the match-winner against Newcastle in August. He has made five senior appearances, including his debut in the FA Cup third-round tie against Accrington last January.

After impressing in pre-season, Ngumoha was promoted to head coach Arne Slot’s first-team squad. His Premier League debut was highlighted by a last-minute winner against Newcastle at St James’ Park. Additionally, his recent substitute appearance in Liverpool’s Champions League win over Atletico Madrid marked him as the club’s youngest player in European competition history.

Off the pitch, Liverpool announced a record 1,114 lifetime bans have been issued for ticket touting, with nearly half imposed following the discovery of mass manipulation of software last season.

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### What’s On Today?

Friday night’s live Sky Bet Championship action features promotion hopefuls Leicester City visiting West Bromwich Albion.

In Scotland, Ayrshire rivals Auchinleck Talbot and Cumnock Juniors meet in the first round of the Scottish Cup at Beechwood Park.

Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, several clubs including Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham will hold press conferences.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/fridays-briefing-john-mcginn-gives-villa-victory-and-more-woe-for-rangers-1811284.html

animal health, entertainment, sports

‘We Don’t Know Whether…’: F1 Ferrari Driver Lewis Hamilton Shares Emotional Update Of His Dog Roscoe’s Health Battle

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**Lewis Hamilton Shares Heartfelt Message as Beloved Dog Roscoe Battles for Life**

Formula 1 legend and Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has opened up on Instagram about his beloved dog, Roscoe, who is currently fighting for his life. In a deeply emotional post, Hamilton revealed that Roscoe was hospitalized after suffering from pneumonia and experiencing severe breathing difficulties.

Hamilton explained that Roscoe, a familiar and adored companion to fans both on and off the racing circuit, was sedated by veterinary staff to undergo necessary medical checks. Tragically, during the procedure, Roscoe’s heart stopped. Thanks to emergency efforts, the medical team managed to revive him, but he is now in a coma.

“Please keep Roscoe in your thoughts,” Hamilton wrote. “I want to keep you all updated. Roscoe caught pneumonia again and was struggling to breathe. He was admitted into hospital and sedated to calm him while they did checks on him and during the process his heart stopped. They managed to get a heartbeat back and now he’s in a coma. We don’t know whether he will wake from this. Tomorrow we’ll try to wake him up. I’m by his side and want to thank you all for your prayers and support.”

The Formula 1 community and fans worldwide have flooded social media with messages of support and prayers, expressing hope for Roscoe’s recovery. As the racing world focuses on upcoming Grand Prix action, many are keeping a close eye on Hamilton’s updates, hoping for positive news about the pup who has been a significant part of his journey.

Hamilton’s post not only provides insight into the difficult moments he is facing but also highlights the deep emotional connections athletes share beyond the racetrack.

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**Lewis Hamilton Executes Dramatic 360-Degree Spin During Dutch Grand Prix Practice, Escapes Unscathed**

During the first practice session of the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort, Lewis Hamilton provided a dramatic moment as his Ferrari spun 360 degrees at the iconic banked Turn 3.

The seven-time world champion lost control of the rear end while navigating the tight, steeply cambered corner but impressively managed to recover without any contact or major damage to his car.

The incident occurred midway through the session, which had already been challenging for many drivers due to the circuit’s technical layout and unpredictable grip levels. Approaching Turn 3, Hamilton appeared to misjudge his entry speed slightly, sending his rear tyres sliding and causing the car to rotate completely on the spot.

In a moment that had spectators holding their breath, Hamilton kept his composure. The Ferrari momentarily pirouetted on the tarmac before coming to a brief halt and continuing without stalling or striking the barriers.

Engineers on the pit wall and fans alike were relieved to see the Briton regain control with minimal drama, showcasing his razor-sharp reflexes and decades of driving experience.

Despite the spin, Hamilton’s Ferrari escaped with no visible damage, and he returned to the pits shortly afterward for routine checks. His radio message to the team was calm and focused, indicating he was ready to get back to business.

The Dutch Grand Prix weekend is especially critical for Hamilton and Ferrari, who are aiming to build momentum in the latter part of the 2025 season. While the first practice session didn’t go entirely to plan, Hamilton’s quick thinking may have saved the team from an early setback.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/we-dont-know-whether-f1-ferrari-driver-lewis-hamilton-shares-emotional-update-of-his-dog-roscoes-health-battle

government, politics, protests, region, security

Sonam Wangchuk arrested in Leh; prohibitory orders remain in force in Ladakh

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Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested in Leh on Friday, two days after violent protests demanding statehood and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution left four people dead and 90 others injured, officials said.

Wangchuk was taken into custody by a police team led by Ladakh Deputy General of Police (DGP) SD Singh Jamwal around 2:30 pm, according to officials. It was not immediately clear what charges were pressed against him.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier blamed Wangchuk, a senior member of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), for provoking the violence. The LAB, along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been spearheading the agitation for more than five years.

Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike supporting the demands, denied the charges. He condemned the violence and ended his fortnight-long fast on Wednesday after the protests turned violent.

Meanwhile, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, remain in force in Leh following the September 24 clashes. The assembly of five or more persons has been banned in the district, and no procession, rally, or march can be carried out without prior written approval. Security personnel continue to be deployed across Leh.

The prohibitory orders were imposed after protestors targeted the BJP office in Leh, escalating tensions.

On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level security review meeting with Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal, DGP SD Singh Jamwal, and senior officers of the Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The Lt Governor emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, better inter-agency coordination, and proactive measures to safeguard peace and public order across the Union Territory.

The violence has also triggered a political row, with BJP leader Amit Malviya alleging that Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag had “instigated” protestors who attacked the BJP office in Leh on Wednesday.

Wangchuk rejected claims of Congress involvement in the unrest. Speaking to ANI, he said, “What is the name of the person who entered the BJP office? First of all, a few weeks ago, the Congress party was removed from our Apex Body so that it can remain apolitical. So you can understand that this movement has nothing to do with Congress. They were told to move away from the movement until the elections are over. Otherwise, they also have a place in it.”

(With PTI and ANI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/ladakh-protest-sonam-wangchuk-arrested-in-leh-two-days-after-violent-clashes-left-four-people-dead-23595958

banking, cryptocurrency, finance, regulation, technology

UK banks forge ‘digital sterling’ in landmark tokenization pilot

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**UK Banks Launch Live Pilot for Tokenized Sterling Deposits, Advancing Financial System Modernization**

UK banks are embarking on a live pilot phase for tokenized sterling deposits, marking a significant step toward modernizing the core infrastructure of the United Kingdom’s financial system through distributed ledger technology (DLT).

According to a press release dated September 26, UK Finance is leading this initiative with participation from major banks including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, Nationwide, and Santander. The project, running through mid-2026, aims to facilitate live transactions using tokenized sterling deposits.

### Pilot Focus and Objectives

The pilot will specifically test practical applications such as online marketplace payments, remortgaging, and digital asset settlement. Key goals include enhancing transaction speed and reducing fraud, thereby highlighting tangible benefits of tokenized deposits in everyday financial activities.

### Building on the Regulated Liability Network

This new pilot builds directly on the foundation established by the Regulated Liability Network (RLN), a multi-phase initiative exploring how tokenization can be applied to money circulating within the regulated financial system.

Previous RLN trials demonstrated that commercial bank deposits can be transformed into digital tokens without compromising the trust and protections fundamental to the banking sector. Transitioning into a live transaction phase allows UK Finance and its member banks to rigorously test this model at scale and across various real-world use cases.

### Guidance and Support from the Bank of England

The Bank of England has played a discreet yet influential role in shaping this direction. Governor Andrew Bailey recently encouraged banks to prioritize tokenized deposits over issuing proprietary stablecoins, citing tokenized deposits as a more stable and regulated pathway for modernizing money.

### Interoperability and Inclusive Access

A critical technical feature of the pilot platform is its full interoperability. As stated in the press release, the platform is being developed to seamlessly integrate with other emerging digital money and payment systems. This includes tokenized deposits, potential future central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and projects like the planned digital gilt (DIGIT).

Furthermore, the pilot offers tokenization-as-a-service, enabling institutions without in-house capabilities to develop their own digital deposit systems to participate. This approach broadens access and helps establish an inclusive framework for digital payments across the UK financial landscape.

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This live pilot phase represents a pivotal milestone in the UK’s journey toward a more efficient, secure, and technologically advanced financial system. By leveraging tokenization and distributed ledger technology, UK banks are setting the stage for innovative payment solutions that promise to benefit consumers, businesses, and the economy as a whole.
https://crypto.news/uk-banks-forge-digital-sterling-in-landmark-tokenization-pilot/

general

Will BlockDAG Hit $3 Soon? This Is Why Bitcoin Hyper and Pepenode Can’t Keep Up with Its $410M+ Presale

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The world of crypto in 2025 is being shaped less by hype and more by numbers and conviction. For investors scanning the horizon for the best crypto presales, three names stand out: Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER), Pepenode (PEPENODE), and BlockDAG (BDAG). Each project offers a radically different vision of the future.

HYPER is carving a path […]

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*The post Will BlockDAG Hit $3 Soon? This Is Why Bitcoin Hyper and Pepenode Can’t Keep Up with Its $410M+ Presale appeared first on Blockonomi.*
https://blockonomi.com/will-blockdag-hit-3-soon-this-is-why-bitcoin-hyper-and-pepenode-cant-keep-up-with-its-410m-presale/

general

Does DoorDash Pay for Gas? 5 Tips on How to Save Money as a Driver

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Do you want to work as a DoorDash driver? If so, you might be wondering, “Does DoorDash pay for gas?” Saving money is important, especially when fuel costs can add up quickly.

Working as a driver for a delivery service app like DoorDash often raises questions about expenses. One common concern is whether the company covers the cost of fuel. After all, gas can be a significant expense when you’re on the road frequently.

In this article, we’ll explore how DoorDash handles fuel costs and what you can expect as a driver. Let’s dive in!
https://radicalfire.com/does-doordash-pay-for-gas/

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