Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi on August 13 for questioning in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to the illegal betting platform 1xBet.
Acting under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the federal probe agency is recording Raina’s statement as part of the ongoing investigation.
The 38-year-old, regarded as one of India’s best middle-order batters, is believed to have ties to the platform through specific endorsements. Officials are seeking clarity on his alleged association with the app.
The ED has recently intensified its crackdown on illegal betting operations, summoning several high-profile individuals suspected of endorsing such platforms.
On August 12, actor Rana Daggubati, best known for his roles in Baahubali and Baahubali 2, appeared before the ED in Hyderabad in a separate but related investigation into the alleged promotion of unauthorised online betting games.
He had initially been summoned on 23 July but requested a postponement due to prior commitments, later presenting himself at the agency’s Zonal Office.
Earlier this year, Telangana Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) against 25 prominent celebrities and digital influencers, including Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi.
The group is accused of promoting unauthorised betting and gambling apps via social media, in violation of the Public Gambling Act of 1867.
The FIR, registered at Miyapur Police Station in Hyderabad, followed a complaint lodged on March 19 by 32-year-old businessman PM Phanindra Sarma.
He alleged that celebrities and online influencers were actively encouraging young people to invest in such platforms, often persuading them to risk their savings.
Sarma said he learned during a community discussion on 16 March that many youngsters were influenced to join these betting apps due to endorsements by public figures, who were allegedly paid substantial sums to promote them.
Authorities say these illegal betting platforms are linked to large-scale financial fraud, with victims losing crores of rupees. The ED’s probe also includes potential tax evasion linked to these operations.
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