The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth over ₹19 crore linked to celebrities in the 1xBet betting app case. But can ED sell or auction these properties? Here’s a clear explanation of the legal process under PMLA.
ED Takes Strict Action in 1xBet Online Betting Case
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the money laundering case linked to the online betting app 1xBet. As part of this action, the ED has provisionally attached assets worth crores of rupees belonging to several well-known cricketers and film stars.
The list includes prominent names such as Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela, Mimi Chakraborty, Ankush Hazra, and Neha Sharma. Following this action, the question arises in people's minds: can the ED sell or auction these attached properties?
ED seizes Rs 11.14 crore assets of Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan in money laundering probe
In the latest action, the ED has provisionally attached assets worth a total of ₹7.93 crore. According to official information:
The ED had previously taken action in this case. In the first phase, assets worth ₹4.55 crore linked to Shikhar Dhawan and ₹6.64 crore linked to Suresh Raina were attached. Thus, the total value of assets attached so far exceeds ₹19 crore.
People often confuse attachment with confiscation, but there is a significant difference between the two. Under Section 5 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), if the ED suspects that any property is linked to money earned through crime, it can provisionally attach it for 180 days.
During this period, the owner of the property technically remains the owner and can use it, but they cannot sell, transfer, or mortgage it.
A provisional attachment is not considered final until it is approved by the Adjudicating Authority. The ED has to present the evidence of the case before the authority within 180 days. If the attachment is confirmed, the ED can take physical possession of the property. If it is not confirmed, the property is returned to the owner.
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The ED does not have the right to sell or auction the attached properties during the investigation or trial. An auction is only possible after the trial is completed in the PMLA court and the court determines that the property is proceeds of crime.
If the accused is convicted, the property is formally confiscated by the government, and the proceeds from the auction are deposited into the government treasury.
The ED's action in the 1xBet case is serious, but it is currently in the initial stages of the legal process. The final outcome will depend on the court's decision.
