The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina for questioning in connection with the ongoing investigation into the 1xBet betting app case. The summons is linked to allegations of illegal online betting promotions and potential violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Raina, who is reported to have been a brand ambassador for the platform, has been asked to appear before ED officials at the agency’s headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday.
The ED’s probe focuses on financial transactions and promotional activities linked to the betting app, which has been accused of operating in violation of Indian gambling laws. Officials are investigating whether the promotional campaigns contributed to the proliferation of illegal betting operations targeting Indian users.
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Celebrities Under Scrutiny
The betting app case has also drawn several other public figures into the spotlight. Prominent actors such as Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Manchu Lakshmi, and Nidhhi Agerwal are among those named in earlier police complaints for allegedly promoting the app on social media platforms.
In March, Hyderabad’s Western Zone Police registered criminal cases against 11 individuals for endorsing betting platforms online. The complaints allege that these platforms not only breached India’s gambling laws but also promoted addictive behaviour that could lead to severe financial distress, particularly among youth and unemployed individuals.
Earlier this month, Hyderabad’s Miyapur Police booked 25 people in connection with the same betting network, citing direct promotion of the platform in violation of existing gaming and gambling statutes.
Authorities Warn Against Illegal Promotion
Law enforcement agencies have cautioned against the promotion of illegal betting services, emphasizing their detrimental social impact. According to police statements, betting apps like 1xBet use aggressive online marketing to lure young adults with promises of easy money, fostering gambling addiction and financial vulnerability.
The ED’s investigation aims to trace the flow of funds related to the promotional deals and determine whether the money was laundered through shell entities or overseas accounts. Officials have reiterated that endorsing or advertising such platforms, even indirectly, can attract criminal charges.
With multiple high-profile personalities now facing questioning, the case is likely to intensify in the coming weeks, potentially widening its scope beyond the entertainment and sports industries.