The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown in a high-profile money laundering case linked to illegal online betting, with fresh searches targeting properties connected to social media influencer Anurag Dwivedi. The federal probe agency executed raids across multiple cities, leading to the seizure of high-end vehicles and financial assets.
Fresh Raids and Major Seizures
On December 31 and January 1, ED officials conducted searches at nine locations in Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Lucknow, and Varanasi. During this operation, the agency seized a Land Rover Defender and a BMW Z4, both registered in the name of Anurag Dwivedi. This action follows an initial round of searches conducted in the third week of December 2024.
In the earlier raids, the ED had already confiscated four vehicles: a Lamborghini Urus, a Mercedes, a Ford Endeavour, and a Thar. Additionally, Rs 20 lakh in cash was recovered at that time. The latest searches also led to the seizure of fixed deposits, insurance policies, and bank deposits collectively worth Rs 3 crore.
The Case and Allegations
The money laundering case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) originally filed by the West Bengal Police. The charges include cheating, forgery, and involvement in illegal betting activities. The ED alleges that Dwivedi, who promotes himself as the 'Face of Fantasy Cricket' on Instagram, actively promoted illegal betting platforms operated from Siliguri, West Bengal.
The agency claims that he received the "proceeds of crime" through hawala channels and mule accounts. Furthermore, it is alleged that these illicit funds were used to purchase immovable properties in Dubai. Evidence gathered during the searches indicates significant real estate investments in Dubai financed via hawala routes.
Accused Absconding and Legal Proceedings
According to the ED, Anurag Dwivedi is currently residing in Dubai and has "failed" to appear before investigators despite multiple summons being issued. The probe has seen significant progress, with three individuals already arrested in connection with the case.
A chargesheet was filed before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Kolkata in August 2025. Prior to the recent actions, the ED had already frozen or attached assets valued at approximately Rs 27 crore in this extensive investigation into the illegal online betting network.
