The Enforcement Directorate has issued summons to former Indian cricketers Robin Uthappa (39) and Yuvraj Singh (43), along with actor Sonu Sood (52), in connection with a betting app money laundering case.
Uthappa has been asked to appear on September 22, Singh on September 23, and Sood on September 24 at the ED Delhi headquarters for questioning. This action forms part of an ongoing money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The summons represents the latest development in the agency’s probe into illegal online betting platforms and their promotional networks.
What is the 1xBet Money Laundering Case?
The investigation centers on the illegal online betting platform 1xBet and associated financial irregularities. The ED is examining potential violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act related to the operations of these unauthorized betting applications.
The case involves alleged illegal betting apps that investigators say duped numerous people and investors of crores of rupees and evaded significant tax liabilities.
Authorities are investigating how these illegal betting operations allegedly laundered money and expanded their operations in India.
The probe focuses on the methods used to circumvent regulatory restrictions and facilitate illegal gambling activities through digital platforms operating without proper authorization.
Other Celebrities Already Questioned by ED
The current summons follows previous questioning of several high-profile personalities in the same investigation. Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan was questioned for around eight hours by the ED in early September as part of this probe.
Former cricketer Suresh Raina was questioned in August 2024, with the agency recording his statement under PMLA. Bengali actress and former TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty has also been summoned as part of this expanding probe.
The scope of the investigation continues to broaden as authorities examine the extensive network of celebrity endorsements linked to these platforms. The ED is analyzing promotional activities and contracts between celebrities and betting app operators.
Investigators are scrutinizing financial agreements and payment structures to establish potential money laundering channels and understand the full extent of celebrity involvement in these operations.
Legal Implications for Celebrity Endorsers
The investigation highlights significant legal risks for celebrities who promoted banned platforms operating in India. Under PMLA provisions, individuals participating in activities connected to money laundering face serious legal consequences and potential prosecution.
The government has issued multiple advisories warning against online betting apps, emphasizing their illegal status under current Indian regulations.
The ongoing investigation represents a broader crackdown on illegal betting operations and their promotional networks, with the ED taking decisive action against unauthorized gambling platforms.
