ED summons Yuvraj Singh and Sonu Sood
New Delhi, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and actor Sonu Sood in connection with its money laundering probe into the operations of the online betting platform 1xBet. Singh is scheduled to appear before the agency on Tuesday, while Sood has been called for questioning on Wednesday.
The investigation is being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). According to officials, the celebrities are being questioned to ascertain how they were contacted by the company, the nature of contracts signed, and the payment channels used.
Robin Uthappa questioned for eight hours
On Monday, former cricketer Robin Uthappa was questioned by the agency for more than eight hours, during which his statement was recorded. The ED is seeking clarity on whether the payments received by celebrities were routed legally or through informal channels such as hawala.
Over the past few weeks, the probe agency has also questioned former cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, Trinamool Congress MP and actor Mimi Chakraborty, and Bengali actor Ankush Hazra.
Scope of the money laundering probe
The 1xBet betting app, which operates globally in over 70 languages, is under scrutiny for allegedly duping investors of crores of rupees and evading substantial amounts in direct and indirect taxes. The ED suspects that proceeds from these operations may have been funnelled into celebrity endorsements, raising questions about compliance with Indian law.
Officials said the probe is also focused on whether celebrities were aware that endorsing such platforms may be illegal under Indian law. The agency has asked them to provide contracts, payment details, and related documentation.
Wider crackdown on online betting platforms
The Union government recently passed legislation banning real money online gaming in India, citing the risks of addiction, financial losses, and money laundering. The ED, during a recent meeting of its senior officers in Jammu and Kashmir, also announced “focused strategies” to deal with financial crimes linked to illegal betting and gaming platforms.
With more celebrities, sportspersons, and influencers likely to be called in the coming days, the investigation is expected to widen further. The agency is also examining whether the funds received by endorsers can be categorised as “proceeds of crime” under the PMLA.