New Delhi — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former India cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa in connection with its ongoing money laundering investigation into illegal online betting platforms, officials said on Tuesday.
Uthappa has been asked to appear at the ED headquarters on September 22 to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), while Yuvraj has been directed to appear on September 23. Earlier, the agency questioned Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan on August 13 and September 4, respectively, as part of the same probe.
The investigation covers multiple illegal betting platforms accused of running surrogate advertisements, collecting funds through various channels, and funneling money overseas. The agency is also examining endorsement deals involving celebrities, including fees paid and the channels of communication used.
Former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty was questioned on Monday, while Bengali actor Ankush Hazra was grilled on Tuesday. Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela was also summoned but had not appeared until the filing of this report. In July, representatives from Google and Meta were called in for questioning regarding advertisements placed for these platforms.
Despite repeated advisories from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting since 2023 prohibiting advertisements for online betting platforms, several sports and entertainment personalities allegedly promoted them. ED officials said such endorsements remain under scrutiny, and further summons are likely.
Investigators allege that many banned betting platforms continue to operate under new names and rely heavily on celebrity endorsements and social media promotion to reach users. These platforms are suspected of large-scale violations, including tax evasion, money laundering, and breaches of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
According to ED estimates, around 220 million Indians are engaged on various betting apps, with nearly half — about 110 million — identified as regular users.
.png)
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.