Those whose assets have been attached include former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, actors Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela, Neha Sharma, Trinamool Congress former MP and actress Mimi Chakraborty, and Ankush Hazra.
New Delhi: In the investigation into the betting platform case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets belonging to several former cricketers, film actors, and public figures.
Those whose assets have been attached include former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, actors Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela, Neha Sharma, Trinamool Congress former MP and actress Mimi Chakraborty, and Ankush Hazra.
According to sources, assets worth approximately ₹1 crore belonging to Sonu Sood, ₹2.5 crore belonging to Yuvraj Singh, ₹1.26 crore belonging to Neha Sharma, ₹59 lakh belonging to Mimi Chakraborty, ₹8.26 lakh belonging to Robin Uthappa, ₹47 lakh belonging to Ankush Hazra, and ₹2.02 crore belonging to Urvashi Rautela's mother have been seized.
What are the allegations?
The ED (Enforcement Directorate) alleges that these celebrities promoted the banned online betting app 1xBet and received the money through money laundering. The agency claims that this amount was linked to illegal betting activities.
Earlier, the agency had questioned several celebrities in this case. On September 24, actor Sonu Sood was questioned for about 7 hours at the ED office in Delhi, and his statement was recorded under the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act). Some time ago, the ED had also seized assets worth ₹11.14 crore belonging to former cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina.
Why is action being taken against the 1xBet app?
1xBet is an international online betting platform that was launched in 2007. This app and its associated online betting platforms are banned in India. Investigating agencies allege that large-scale illegal transactions, tax evasion, and money laundering are carried out through such apps.
Government's strict policy
The central government has recently completely banned online betting apps under the Online Gaming Bill 2025. The government says that these platforms are causing serious financial and mental harm to the general public. According to information provided in Parliament, millions of people have been affected, and this has also raised concerns regarding national security and financial transparency.
According to ED officials, the investigation is still ongoing, and further action may be taken in the coming days. The agency is also investigating the channels through which the money received in the name of promotion was obtained and how it was used.
