The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped its investigation into the alleged illegal betting through 1xBet app, summoning former cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa and actor Sonu Sood.
Uthappa has been asked to appear at the headquarters of the agency, which looks into money laundering and foreign exchange violations, in Delhi on September 22. Singh has been called the next day and Sood on September 24.
The case is being probed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), with the agency examining possible laundering of funds generated through the betting platform.
The ED is also examining the role of celebrities in promoting the app.
Earlier this month, the agency questioned former Indian cricket stars Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan along with actors Urvashi Rautela and Mimi Chakraborty over their associations with 1xBet or its promotional campaigns.
Investigators are probing whether endorsements and advertisements helped popularise the betting platform despite Indian restrictions on gambling.
Operators such as 1xBet often use surrogate branding and indirect promotions to bypass restrictions, including celebrity endorsements, sponsorships and advertisements on streaming platforms.
The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has ordered blocking of several betting and gambling apps, including 1xBet.
The 1xBet case raises questions about the responsibilities of celebrities in endorsing apps that may not be legally compliant.
What is 1xBet?
1xBet is an offshore betting platform offering sports wagering and casino-style games. It has promoted itself in India through surrogate branding and online advertising.
Why is the ED investigating the firm?
The ED is probing the firm under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which allows it to track and act against the proceeds of crime.
The endorsements from high-profile figures like Yuvraj Singh and others significantly boosted the visibility of these platforms, thereby enabling large-scale financial fraud that victimised unsuspecting users.
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