In a major crackdown on an alleged illegal online betting ring, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized high-value assets belonging to several prominent Indian celebrities. The central probe agency has attached movable and immovable properties valued at a staggering ₹7.93 crore under the anti-money laundering law.
Celebrities Under the Scanner in Betting App Probe
The action targets a star-studded list of personalities from the sports and entertainment worlds. The individuals whose assets have been attached include former Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, cricketer Robin Uthappa, and actors Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela, Mimi Chakraborty, Ankush Hazra, and Neha Sharma. The attachments have been made under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
This move is part of the ED's ongoing investigation into the operations of the offshore betting platform known as 1xBet. Official sources have indicated that the scale of the money laundering case linked to this "illegal" betting application is enormous, with estimates suggesting it could be worth more than ₹1,000 crore.
The Massive ₹1,000 Crore Money Laundering Case
The probe revolves around allegations that the betting platform was operating illegally in India, channeling vast sums of money through complex networks. The attachment of assets is a legal process whereby the ED seizes properties suspected to be proceeds of crime, preventing their sale or transfer while the investigation is underway.
The agency's action suggests that the named celebrities' assets are believed to be connected, directly or indirectly, to the financial transactions under scrutiny in the 1xBet case. It is important to note that an attachment under PMLA is an interim measure and does not constitute a final finding of guilt.
Implications and Next Steps
This high-profile case highlights the increasing scrutiny of financial transactions in the digital betting space by Indian enforcement agencies. The ED is expected to continue its investigation to unravel the entire network and the flow of funds. The celebrities involved may be called for further questioning as the probe progresses.
As this is a developing story, more details and potential actions are anticipated. The case underscores the serious legal and financial repercussions of involvement with platforms under investigation for contravening Indian laws.
