Enforcement Directorate Raids in Noida Linked to Adult Content Production
On March 28, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a targeted raid on a couple's residence in Noida, accused of operating a significant adult webcam streaming enterprise. This operation pinpointed the couple's involvement in the production and distribution of pornographic content, primarily streamed via sophisticated channels directly from their home-setup studio.
Connection to Technius Limited and Major Pornographic Websites
The couple allegedly utilized social media platforms to recruit models for their adult videos, which were then supplied to Technius Limited, a Cyprus-based company. Technius is recognized for its management of major international pornographic sites, including XHamster and Stripchat. During the operation, authorities seized assets amounting to ₹8 lakh in cash, highlighting the financial scale of the illegal operation.
Foreign Transactions and FEMA Violations
Investigators unearthed that the couple's operations received consistent foreign remittances, ostensibly declared under various service guises such as advertising and market research. These funds, however, were identified as proceeds stemming from adult content showcased on platforms like XHamster. It was further revealed that the credits from these foreign bank accounts were often cashed out in India using international debit cards, a practice in violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), due to the nature of services provided being deemed illegal.
Financial Details and Model Testimonies
The couple allegedly retained approximately 75% of the revenue generated from these operations, providing only a minor share to the models involved. This detail was uncovered during the raid, wherein statements from some models, present at the couple's residence, were also recorded. These testimonies could offer additional insights into the inner workings of the operation and the financial distributions.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains active, with the Enforcement Directorate continuing its investigation to extrapolate further details concerning the operation and its associated financial transactions. This action underlines the agency's ongoing commitment to cracking down on illegal operations involving adult content in India.
