ED raids Unnao YouTuber Anurag Dwivedi, seizes luxury cars in online betting money laundering probe

Enforcement Directorate

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered an extravagant lifestyle funded by illegal online betting operations during searches at the residence of a YouTuber based in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, officials said.

The accused, Anurag Dwivedi, allegedly earned massive sums by promoting online betting and gambling platforms, much of which investigators believe was generated through unlawful activities. During searches at his home, the ED recovered several luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini Urus, a BMW Z4 and a Mercedes-Benz, pointing to what officials described as proceeds of crime.

According to sources familiar with the probe, a significant share of Dwivedi’s earnings came from Sky Exchange and other online gambling applications. These platforms enable users to place bets digitally, an activity that is prohibited under Indian law.

Officials said the funds earned through these apps were systematically laundered through multiple channels before being used to purchase high-end cars and other expensive assets. The agency has initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to trace the money trail and identify assets acquired through illegal means.

Investigators believe Dwivedi attempted to conceal the origin of the funds by portraying the assets as legitimate acquisitions. The search at his Unnao residence was carried out to identify and document properties and valuables linked to the alleged laundering operation.

Dwivedi also operates a YouTube channel, which officials say was used to actively promote betting and gambling apps. The promotional content reportedly helped expand the user base of these platforms, significantly widening the scale of illegal betting activity.

The ED is now examining the broader network behind the operation, including individuals who may have facilitated the flow of money, handled accounts or acted as intermediaries.

Authorities are also assessing the total volume of illegal earnings and tracking where the funds were invested. Further seizures and action against additional suspects are likely, officials said.

In a related development, the West Bengal Police conducted searches in Siliguri, where two other accused, identified as Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj, were found to be involved in the betting network. Investigators said they used mule bank accounts, Telegram channels and other digital platforms to operate and manage online gambling activities.

The investigation has revealed that Dwivedi allegedly played a central role in promoting illegal betting platforms. Officials said he produced and circulated promotional videos and received payments through hawala operators, mule accounts and cash routed via intermediaries.

Large amounts were also credited to the bank accounts of Dwivedi’s companies and family members without any clear commercial justification.

Investigators further found that he invested in immovable properties abroad, particularly in Dubai, using funds suspected to be proceeds of crime generated through illegal betting promotions.