The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major crackdown on an alleged illegal online betting network, with popular YouTuber and influencer Anurag Dwivedi from Uttar Pradesh at the center of the storm. The central probe agency conducted searches at his premises in Unnao district under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Luxury Cars Seized in Unnao Raid
During the searches carried out on Wednesday, ED officials made a series of stunning discoveries. They seized a fleet of luxury vehicles from Dwivedi's residence, which they suspect were purchased using the proceeds of crime. The seized cars include a high-end Lamborghini Urus, a Mercedes, a Ford Endeavour, and a Mahindra Thar.
Investigators allege that Dwivedi, who built a significant online following, used his platform to promote and lure users to various online betting and gambling applications. These platforms are illegal in India. The ED's action aims to trace and attach assets believed to have been bought with money generated from these unlawful activities.
Hawala, Mule Accounts, and Overseas Assets Under Scanner
The money trail investigation has revealed complex financial maneuvers. Officials claim that payments for promoting the betting apps were received through hawala operators, cash middlemen, and mule bank accounts. A mule account is one used by someone on behalf of another to hide the true beneficiary of the funds.
More alarmingly, the probe suggests that the illicit earnings were not just spent on luxury cars in India. Dwivedi is accused of investing the illegal income in properties abroad, particularly in Dubai. The ED is meticulously examining transactions linked to his companies and family members to separate legitimate assets from those derived from crime.
A Wider Network Across States
This case is not limited to Uttar Pradesh. The investigation has uncovered a broader network, prompting coordination with police forces in other states. For instance, the West Bengal Police conducted parallel searches in Siliguri and have named other accused like Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj.
These individuals are alleged to have used a combination of digital platforms, including Telegram channels, and a web of mule accounts to operate the online betting rings. The ED is now focused on identifying all individuals linked to this network, calculating the total amount of illegal income generated, and tracing every investment made with the laundered money.
What comes next? The Enforcement Directorate has indicated that further action, including more searches and seizures of properties, is likely as the investigation progresses. The case highlights the increasing scrutiny by central agencies on influencers and social media personalities who may be leveraging their reach for illegal financial gains.
