ED Tightens Grip on Illegal Betting Network
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth ₹11.14 crore belonging to former Indian cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan in connection with its money-laundering probe into the illegal betting platform 1xBet.
According to officials, Dhawan’s assets worth ₹4.5 crore and a mutual fund investment of Raina valued at ₹6.64 crore have been frozen under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED suspects the two players “knowingly entered into endorsement agreements” with 1xBet or its surrogate entities — despite the platform being banned in India for operating unlawfully through offshore networks.
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ED’s Allegations Against Raina and Dhawan
As per reports, both Raina and Dhawan have been questioned by the ED regarding their association with the betting company. The agency claims they were among several high-profile personalities who allegedly promoted or endorsed 1xBet through brand partnerships or online campaigns.
Sources said the ED is examining whether these celebrity endorsements indirectly encouraged Indian users to engage with the betting app, misleading them into believing it was legitimate.
The investigation also covers financial transactions, tax evasion, and alleged money laundering linked to offshore entities associated with 1xBet.
Celebrities Under the Scanner
The 1xBet probe has widened to include other public figures as well. The ED has questioned Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, and Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, along with actresses Urvashi Rautela, Mimi Chakraborty, and Ankush Hazra.
Many of these celebrities were reportedly part of promotional campaigns or digital advertisements connected with betting or gaming platforms operating illegally in India.
A Broader Crackdown on Betting Apps
This action comes amid a broader crackdown on online betting and satta apps by Indian authorities. The government has already banned several offshore platforms to curb the growing trend of digital gambling and safeguard Indian consumers from financial fraud.
The ED’s ongoing efforts are part of a multi-agency operation — including the CBI, which had earlier filed a case against 1xBet operators for targeting Indian users through proxy websites.
Officials believe the network laundered crores of rupees by routing funds through international payment gateways and shell companies.
Why This Matters
The case underscores how illegal betting operations are not just a legal issue but a reputational one — especially when celebrities or sports icons are linked to them. For fans, it’s a reminder that endorsements can sometimes blur the line between legitimate and shady platforms.
For the ED, however, this marks another strong message: no one is above scrutiny in the fight against digital money laundering.
