The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown on illegal online betting networks, with its latest action targeting Unnao-based YouTuber and social media influencer Anurag Dwivedi. The agency has seized a high-end Land Rover Defender and a BMW Z4, among other assets, from Dwivedi who is accused of promoting illegal gambling applications.
Lavish Wedding Triggers ED Scrutiny
The ED's investigation into Dwivedi's activities began after his opulent wedding ceremony in Dubai in December drew attention. According to the agency, Dwivedi allegedly generated substantial income by promoting and facilitating illegal betting websites. After amassing wealth through these means, he left India and is currently residing in Dubai, evading multiple summonses from the investigating agency.
This is not the first major seizure in this case. Earlier, on December 17, the ED conducted searches at his premises in Lucknow and Unnao. During those raids, authorities confiscated four luxury vehicles: a Lamborghini Urus, a Mercedes, a Ford Endeavour, and a Thar. They also seized cash amounting to approximately Rs 20 lakh.
Nationwide Raids and Money Laundering Probe
The probe widened with another round of search operations on December 31 and January 1. The ED teams raided multiple locations not just in Lucknow and Varanasi, but also in Surat, Mumbai, and Delhi. These actions are part of a money laundering case registered under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED's investigation was initiated based on a 2022 FIR filed by the West Bengal Police. That police case had uncovered a sophisticated online betting syndicate allegedly operated using a network of mule bank accounts. Investigators claim that Dwivedi used his significant popularity as a fantasy cricket influencer to actively promote these illegal betting platforms. The illicit funds he received were then allegedly funneled through layered financial channels to conceal their origin.
Hawala Routes and Dubai Assets
The money trail investigation has revealed that the proceeds of crime were routed through hawala channels. A significant portion of these funds was allegedly invested in real estate abroad, particularly in Dubai. In a major step, the ED has frozen movable assets worth approximately Rs 3 crore, which include bank balances, fixed deposits, and insurance policies.
Documents seized by the agency reportedly point to real estate investments in Dubai made using these illicit funds. The ED alleges that Dwivedi laundered the money through a complex web of firms, family members, mule accounts, and the hawala network.
This case has seen significant developments prior to the latest seizures. The ED had already arrested three individuals in connection with the illegal betting ring. On August 1, the agency filed a prosecution complaint before the special PMLA court in Kolkata. Furthermore, the ED had previously frozen and attached movable assets worth a staggering Rs 23.7 crore in this matter. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to unravel the full extent of the network.
