A self-proclaimed cricket influencer from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, who is under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for alleged connections to illegal betting platforms, hosted an extraordinarily lavish destination wedding in Dubai last month. Anurag Dwivedi, currently residing in Dubai, flew over 130 guests to the emirate for celebrations aboard the Queen Elizabeth-II cruise liner, drawing intense scrutiny as details of the multi-crore spending emerged alongside a serious money-laundering probe.
The Extravagant Dubai Celebrations
The wedding festivities, held on November 25, followed a 12-year relationship between Dwivedi and his bride, Tamanna, also from UP. In a display of opulence, Dwivedi orchestrated the entire trip for his guests, many of whom were travelling abroad for the very first time. He arranged five separate flights, covered all travel costs, visas, hotel stays, meals, and sightseeing tours. For those without passports, he facilitated the issuance of new ones.
According to sources, the expenditure averaged between Rs 90,000 to Rs 1 lakh per guest solely for travel and accommodation, amounting to over Rs 1.3 crore for the entire guest list. The attendees were put up in luxury across more than 25 hotel rooms, provided with dedicated transport, and taken to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Creek. The wedding ceremony on the cruise's open deck was further elevated with a live performance by a prominent Bollywood playback singer and actor.
The ED Probe and Seized Assets
This grand celebration stands in stark contrast to the legal troubles shadowing Dwivedi. The ED's money-laundering case, which began three years ago, alleges his involvement with illicit betting platforms. Dwivedi, who has over 2.3 million YouTube followers and brands himself as the "face of fantasy cricket," has ignored multiple summons from the agency and has remained holed up in Dubai since the investigations started.
The probe has led to significant action by the ED, including searches in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The agency has frozen bank accounts, seized cash, and impounded luxury vehicles such as a Lamborghini and a Mercedes from his Unnao residence. Sources indicate that the total value of assets linked to him is estimated at a staggering Rs 20 crore. The ED has also arrested three of his alleged associates.
Hawala Channels and Dubai Investments
Investigations have revealed a trail of financial misconduct. The ED alleges that Dwivedi helped promote the betting platforms and subsequently funneled a portion of the proceeds into real estate investments in Dubai. This transfer of funds was allegedly executed through hawala channels, a method of moving money outside of formal banking systems. This international angle adds a complex layer to the ongoing probe, connecting his activities in India with assets and celebrations in the UAE.
Despite his claims of middle-class roots, the scale of the wedding and the assets under investigation paint a picture of immense and rapidly acquired wealth, now under the scanner of financial authorities. The case continues to develop as the ED seeks to unravel the full network and bring the accused to justice.
