The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has cracked down on a sprawling money laundering operation connected to illicit online betting, with investigations zeroing in on social media influencer and YouTuber Anurag Dwivedi. The agency alleges Dwivedi was a central figure in promoting illegal betting platforms and laundering the proceeds abroad.
Nationwide Raids and Major Seizures
On Wednesday, federal agents carried out coordinated searches at nine different locations across Lucknow and Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, all linked to Anurag Dwivedi. The operation yielded a significant haul of evidence and assets believed to be proceeds of crime.
A spokesperson for the ED confirmed that officials seized numerous incriminating documents and digital records during the raids. These materials reportedly contain details of overseas investments made by the accused. In a striking display of the operation's scale, the agency also confiscated four high-end vehicles. The seized cars include a Lamborghini Urus valued at over Rs 4.18 crore, a Mercedes-Benz, a Ford Endeavour, and a Mahindra Thar.
The Origins of the Investigation
This high-profile probe originated from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the West Bengal Police. The police charged individuals with serious offences including cheating, forgery, and the operation of unlawful betting portals. Based on this FIR, the ED later registered its own Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), which began to unravel a complex digital betting network.
According to the ED, this network was allegedly operated from Siliguri by individuals identified as Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj. The syndicate is said to have used a sophisticated system involving mule bank accounts, Telegram groups, and encrypted digital platforms to conduct its online gambling activities, effectively hiding its transactions from authorities.
YouTuber's Alleged Role and Dubai Assets
Anurag Dwivedi, who commands a substantial following on social media with content focused on sports and gaming, is accused of actively promoting these illegal betting applications. The ED claims he used his platform, creating videos and running online campaigns to draw users to the illicit portals.
For his promotional services, Dwivedi allegedly received substantial payments through hawala operations, mule accounts, and cash deliveries routed via intermediaries. Large sums were reportedly credited to bank accounts belonging to his companies and family members without any legitimate business justification, the spokesperson stated.
Following the money trail, investigators made a crucial discovery. They found evidence suggesting Dwivedi had invested the illicit funds into high-value real estate properties in Dubai. The purchases were allegedly made through hawala channels. After completing these transactions, Dwivedi left India and is currently residing in Dubai. The ED has issued multiple summons for him to appear in recent months, but he has failed to comply, the agency said.
The case highlights the growing intersection of social media influence and organized financial crime, with authorities now intensifying efforts to track the international flow of illegally generated wealth.
