Bengaluru: Former cricketer to record statement in money laundering case
Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with an alleged illegal betting app-linked money laundering case. The probe pertains to 1xBet, an online betting platform, which Dhawan is alleged to have promoted on social media.
Officials said the ED has asked the 39-year-old former India cricketer to appear and clarify his role in the promotional activities. His statement will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as part of the investigation.
Background of the investigation
The federal agency is investigating multiple illegal betting apps accused of duping people and investors of crores of rupees while evading taxes. Since last year, several Bollywood and South Indian film stars and cricketers have been questioned for allegedly promoting such platforms.
Names already under scrutiny include Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Harbhajan Singh, Urvashi Rautela, and Suresh Raina. Last month, former cricketer Suresh Raina was questioned by the ED in the same case. In June, statements were recorded from other celebrities, including Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh.
Related developments
The government has recently banned real-money online gaming under a new legislation. Meanwhile, the ED alleged that Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra, arrested last month, collected over Rs 2,000 crore through online betting platforms. Veerendra and his associates in Dubai allegedly used multiple fintech gateways to mask illicit activities as legitimate e-commerce operations.
The MLA, who was apprehended in Sikkim while on a business trip to lease a casino, remains in ED custody.
Conclusion
The ED’s investigation highlights increasing scrutiny on celebrities promoting illegal betting apps and online gaming platforms in India. Shikhar Dhawan’s appearance is expected to shed more light on endorsement-related liabilities in money laundering probes.