By Bl New Delhi

Copyright thehindubusinessline

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is widening the ambit of its money laundering investigation, deciding to summon more Bollywood actors and former cricketers as it seeks to uncover the extent of celebrity involvement in promoting illegal online betting platforms like 1xBet.

As part of the intensified probe, the agency has summoned actor Sonu Sood and former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa for questioning at its New Delhi headquarters. Uthappa has been asked to appear on September 22, Singh on September 23 and Sood on September 24.

The ED is focusing on how high-profile endorsements may have lent legitimacy to 1xBet — a betting platform banned in India but allegedly operating through surrogate websites and offshore entities. Authorities believe such promotions may have played a key role in attracting millions of Indian users, potentially violating the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and other financial regulations.

The investigation, which started after a CBI case against the app’s operators, is now scrutinising promotional campaigns, financial trails and brand deals linked to celebrities. ED officials stress that the appearances are part of the ongoing probe and will help determine the extent of involvement.

This week, Bengali actor Ankush Hazra appeared for questioning, while Urvashi Rautela was also summoned but did not attend. Earlier, actress and former TMC MP Mimi Chakrabarty was grilled for over six hours. Former cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina were previously questioned as well.

The ED has launched multiple investigations into illegal betting platforms, including Parimatch, citing concerns over money laundering, tax evasion and investor fraud. Officials note that the Indian online betting market is booming, estimated at over $100 billion with 22 crore users, nearly half of whom are frequent users.

Between 2022 and June 2025, the Indian government issued 1,524 orders to block illegal betting and gambling apps, reflecting the growing urgency to regulate the digital betting ecosystem.

Published on September 16, 2025