The ED is probing multiple illegal betting platforms that allegedly launder money through surrogate advertisements and foreign fund transfers.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued summons to two more former Indian cricketers, Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, in connection with its money laundering investigation into illegal online betting platforms.
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that Uthappa must appear before the ED headquarters on September 22, while Yuvraj Singh has been asked to join the probe on September 23. The agency will record its statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED is probing multiple illegal betting platforms that allegedly launder money through surrogate advertisements and foreign fund transfers. These platforms continue to operate under new names despite repeated bans by the Indian government.
The agency believes that several celebrities promoted these betting apps in exchange for endorsement fees, which also include sportspersons and actors. Officials are examining whether they knew about the illegal nature of the platforms.
Earlier, the ED questioned former India players Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan. Raina appeared before the agency on August 13, while Dhawan was questioned on September 4. Now, Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa have joined the list of cricketers summoned.
The financial probe agency has also questioned celebrities from the entertainment industry. Former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty was questioned on Monday. Bengali actor Ankush Hazra appeared before the ED on Tuesday. Officials also expected Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela to record her statement, but she had not appeared till the filing of this report.
The ED has expanded its probe beyond celebrities. In July, it summoned representatives from Google and Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram). The agency wanted to understand how these platforms hosted ads of illegal betting companies.
Media houses and online news publishers that received ad money from these platforms are also under the scanner.
In 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued four advisories. These directed newspapers, TV channels, entertainment portals, digital publishers, and online ad intermediaries are not to advertise online betting platforms.
Despite these clear warnings, some popular actors, cricketers, and social media influencers continued to endorse betting companies. This has drawn the attention of the ED.
According to ED estimates, around 220 million Indians are engaged with betting apps, and 110 million of them use such platforms regularly. Officials believe that money generated from these platforms is routed abroad illegally, leading to violations of money laundering laws, tax regulations, and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
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