The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) widening probe into the illegal betting app 1xBet has now pulled in some of India’s most high-profile names from the world of cricket and cinema.
According to sources, former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, along with Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, have been summoned for questioning by the federal agency.
Dates of Summons
- Robin Uthappa has been directed to appear before ED officials on September 22 at the agency’s Delhi headquarters.
- Yuvraj Singh is scheduled to face investigators on September 23.
- Sonu Sood has been asked to join the probe on September 24.
This development comes just days after the ED questioned former Indian cricket stars Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina in the same case.
Additionally, celebrities, including former TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty, Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela, and Bengali actor Ankush Hazra, have also been summoned recently.
What is the 1xBet Case?
The ED’s investigation centers around alleged money laundering and financial irregularities tied to 1xBet, a betting platform that is banned in India.
Officials suspect that the company engaged in large-scale illegal financial transactions while using celebrity endorsements to gain legitimacy and attract Indian users.
The probe is being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Investigators believe that examining the contracts, promotional activities, and payments received by celebrities linked with 1xBet could be crucial in tracing the money flow and understanding how the platform bypassed regulations.
Spotlight on Robin Uthappa
The ED is expected to question Robin Uthappa, who retired from professional cricket in 2022, about his role in promotional campaigns for 1xBet.
Sources suggest he may be asked about the nature of contracts he signed, the extent of his involvement in marketing the brand, and whether he was aware of the app’s banned status in India.
The Larger Crackdown
The summons mark the latest step in the ED’s broader effort to crack down on illegal betting apps operating in India. Authorities allege that such platforms have not only cheated lakhs of users but also facilitated the movement of crores of rupees through unregulated channels, thereby evading massive tax liabilities.
The investigation is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with more high-profile names likely to surface as the agency deepens its scrutiny of celebrities, influencers, and companies tied to 1xBet’s operations.
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