ED Expands 1xBet Money-Laundering Investigation, Summons Multiple Celebrities
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has widened its probe into a suspected money-laundering network linked to the banned betting platform 1xBet. According to investigators, despite repeated government restrictions, the platform allegedly kept operating under different names and benefited from celebrity endorsements that gave it broader public reach.
Celebrity Summons and Dates
- Mimi Chakraborty – The former Member of Parliament has been called to appear before the ED on September 15 to answer questions about promotional work connected to the betting site.
- Urvashi Rautela – Summoned for September 16, the Bollywood actor had earlier ignored a similar notice in March 2024. Officials say she remains a key figure in understanding the promotion of the app.
- Robin Uthappa – The former Indian cricketer received a notice to visit the ED’s Delhi headquarters on September 22. Investigators have already recorded his statement regarding advertisements related to the betting platform.
- Sonu Sood – The actor has been asked to depose on September 24 as part of the same inquiry.
- Vijay Deverakonda – Questioned on August 6, the actor later clarified to reporters that he promoted A23, a legal online gaming service, and not any betting platform.
Why the Probe Matters
Investigators allege that several illegal betting apps, including the 1xBet network, have avoided large amounts of tax and defrauded customers of crores of rupees. The ED believes celebrity endorsements—sometimes through social media campaigns—helped these apps gain credibility with the public, drawing in new users despite official bans.
Continuing Investigation
The agency is expected to call additional witnesses and may summon more public figures in the coming weeks. Officials emphasise that a simple promotional appearance or endorsement can fall under scrutiny if the platform is proven to be operating illegally or laundering funds.
The ED’s current focus is on tracing financial transactions, identifying promotional contracts, and uncovering how the betting app allegedly disguised itself under new names to keep attracting customers.
