Cricketers Robin Uthappa and Yuvraj Singh, along with actor Sonu Sood, are now among a growing list of celebrities being investigated by federal authorities over their endorsement of illegal betting apps and, in Uthappa’s case, alleged breaches of money-laundering laws. All three have been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) next week: Robin Uthappa on Monday, Yuvraj Singh on Tuesday, and Sood on Wednesday.
They join former cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina, as well as actor Urvashi Rautela and Trinamool MP Mimi Chakraborty, in facing ED questioning as part of an investigation into money-laundering and tax evasion linked to the 1xBet app, which was heavily advertised during live cricket match broadcasts.
The ED is probing multiple betting platforms and the role of celebrities in promoting, knowingly or otherwise, schemes that the government claims have defrauded users and investors of crores.
Also Read: Suresh Raina questioned by ED in 1xBet betting case
Rautela, described in reports as 1xBet’s “India ambassador”, is scheduled to appear today, Tuesday, alongside Bengali actor Ankush Hazra. On Monday, the agency recorded Mimi Chakraborty’s statement.
Last week, Dhawan was questioned for over eight hours at the ED’s Delhi office, leaving only after his statement was recorded under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Also Read: ED summons ex-TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty in illegal betting app case
In early August, Raina was also questioned. The ED enquired about his role in promoting 1xBet and details of financial transactions, including any fees he was paid or charged.
In June, another former cricketer, Harbhajan Singh, was also questioned. Sources indicate that a key focus of the ED’s questioning is whether celebrities were aware or had been informed that betting apps like 1xBet—often rebranded to evade shutdowns—are illegal under Indian law.
The contention is that platforms like 1xBet and its variants, such as 1xBat, claim to offer skill-based games but employ rigged algorithms, rendering them gambling enterprises under current Indian laws.
Also Read: ED summons cricketer Shikhar Dhawan in illegal betting app case
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