New Delhi | The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown in the alleged illegal online betting app 1xBet money laundering case, widening the scope of investigation to include prominent cricketers, film personalities and a former Member of Parliament. In its latest action, the federal agency has attached assets worth ₹7.93 crore, taking the total value of properties seized so far in the case to over ₹19 crore.
According to official sources, the investigation is far from over and is expected to expand further in the coming days. Several other well-known personalities from the sports and entertainment industries are likely to be summoned for questioning. Sources also indicate that individuals with political affiliations may come under the agency’s scanner as the probe progresses.
High-Profile Names Under ED Action
The ED has confirmed that the attached assets belong to a mix of former international cricketers, actors and public figures. Those named in the latest round of action include former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, ex-India batter Robin Uthappa, actor Sonu Sood, actresses Urvashi Rautela and Neha Sharma, Trinamool Congress former MP and actress Mimi Chakraborty, and cricketer Ankush Hazra.
Investigators claim that financial trails linking these individuals to the promotion and monetisation of the betting platform have emerged during the course of the probe. The ED maintains that the attachments are based on documentary evidence and bank transaction analysis gathered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Break-up of Assets Attached
As per the ED’s findings, the value of assets provisionally attached includes:
- ₹2.50 crore linked to Yuvraj Singh,
- ₹8.26 lakh associated with Robin Uthappa,
- ₹2.02 crore linked to Urvashi Rautela, registered in the name of her mother,
- ₹1 crore connected to Sonu Sood,
- ₹59 lakh belonging to Mimi Chakraborty,
- ₹47.20 lakh associated with Ankush Hazra,
- ₹1.26 crore linked to Neha Sharma.
The provisional attachment order was issued on Thursday under provisions of the PMLA.
Earlier Seizures in the Same Case
This is not the first time the ED has taken action against high-profile individuals in connection with the 1xBet investigation. In previous phases of the probe, the agency had attached assets worth ₹4.55 crore linked to cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and ₹6.64 crore associated with former Indian batsman Suresh Raina.
With the latest attachments, the 1xBet investigation has emerged as one of the largest celebrity-linked betting and money laundering cases in the country.
What the Case Is About
According to the ED, 1xBet was operating illegally in India without mandatory regulatory approvals. The platform allegedly targeted Indian users through aggressive digital outreach, including social media campaigns, online video promotions, influencer marketing and surrogate advertising in print and digital media.
The agency has alleged that several celebrities knowingly, or through their agents, entered into advertising and endorsement agreements with foreign entities linked to the betting platform. Payments for these endorsements were allegedly routed through overseas intermediaries to conceal the illegal origin of funds generated from betting activities.
Investigators claim that these transactions involved layered financial routing, a common method used to disguise proceeds of crime, thereby constituting offences under money laundering laws.
Probe Far From Over
ED officials have indicated that the investigation is still at an evolving stage and further attachments cannot be ruled out. The agency is examining the role of advertising firms, payment aggregators, digital platforms and intermediaries involved in facilitating promotions and financial transfers related to 1xBet.
What began as a probe into an illegal betting platform has now expanded into a wider investigation exposing the intersection of celebrity endorsements, foreign funding channels and complex money laundering mechanisms, with enforcement agencies maintaining close scrutiny as the case unfolds.
