Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 19: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached movable and immovable assets worth Rs 7.93 crore belonging to cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, actor Sonu Sood, and several other celebrities in connection with the illegal offshore betting platform 1xBet, officials confirmed on Friday.

This latest action follows an earlier move on October 6, when the ED had seized assets worth Rs 11.14 crore of cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina in the same case. Other high-profile individuals impacted include actresses Urvashi Rautela, Mimi Chakraborty, Neha Sharma, and actor Ankush Hazra.

The attachment has been carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The investigation stems from multiple FIRs filed by state police agencies against the operators of 1xBet. ED findings indicate that 1xBet, along with its surrogate brands 1xBat and 1xbat Sporting Lines, actively promoted illegal online betting across India.

According to the ED, the celebrities knowingly entered into endorsement deals with these foreign entities to promote 1xBet, receiving payments routed through overseas channels to obscure the illicit origin of funds. The agency said the platform operated in India without authorization, targeting Indian users via social media, online videos, and print media, with payment flows structured to hide the money trail.

The ED issued a warning that such illegal betting platforms pose serious economic risks and are frequently used for money laundering. It urged the public to avoid engaging with these platforms and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. The agency also highlighted that celebrities or influencers endorsing illegal gambling platforms, directly or indirectly, could face criminal action under Indian law.