The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the residences of a couple in Noida. Allegedly, this couple was filming explicit videos with models at their home and supplying them to a Cyprus-based company, known to host international pornographic sites.
According to the agency, the investigation led by the enforcement wing under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) seized ₹800,000 in cash. The probe targets Subdigy Ventures Private Limited based in Noida and its promoters for financial violations.
The company, allegedly run by the Noida couple, is accused of operating an adult webcam streaming studio from their residence, sending these videos to Technius Limited in Cyprus. This company notably manages famous adult websites, XHamster and Stripchat.
The ED stated that Subdigy Ventures and its directors frequently received foreign funds, purportedly for services like advertising, market research, and public opinion surveys. However, investigations revealed these funds originated from explicit content streamed on XHamster.
This action is a violation of FEMA regulations since earnings from adult content were camouflaged as service fees. ED sources identified ₹156.6 million in illicit funds across the company and its directors' bank accounts.
Additionally, an undeclared bank account in the Netherlands was identified, with Technius Limited transferring approximately ₹70 million. Furthermore, the ED's probe revealed that money deposited in foreign bank accounts was withdrawn in cash through international debit cards in India. The couple retained about 75% of the overall earnings, distributing only a minor portion to the models.
Sources suggest the couple hired models via social media platforms. When the ED team raided their residence, several models were present, and their statements have been recorded. The investigation is ongoing, and the agency continues to scrutinize other financial transactions.
