ED summons Uthappa, Yuvraj, and Sonu Sood in 1xBet money laundering probe
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned former cricketers Robin Uthappa and Yuvraj Singh, along with actor Sonu Sood, for questioning in a money laundering case linked to the alleged illegal online betting platform 1xBet. Officials announced the summons on Tuesday, stating that the three men have been asked to appear under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to get their statements recorded.
The summons schedule is as follows: Uthappa is set to appear on September 22, Singh on September 23, and Sood on September 24. This marks a significant escalation in the ED's ongoing investigation into the illegal betting app, which is accused of duping investors and evading taxes.
This isn't the first time the ED has brought celebrities in for questioning in this probe. In recent weeks, the agency has already interrogated former cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan. On Monday, former TMC MP and actor Mimi Chakraborty was questioned, and Bengali actor Ankush Hazra appeared on Tuesday. Additionally, sources indicate that actor Urvashi Rautela, the India brand ambassador for 1xBet, has yet to appear for her scheduled questioning.
The investigation focuses on the alleged financial irregularities of illegal betting apps that have reportedly defrauded people of crores of rupees. While 1xBet presents itself as a globally recognized bookmaker with a wide array of services, the probe agency is looking into the legitimacy of its operations and the potential for money laundering.
The widening scope of the investigation and the inclusion of high-profile celebrities suggest the ED is intensifying its crackdown on illegal online betting in India. The outcome of these interrogations could shed further light on the operations of these platforms and the extent of celebrity involvement, especially after the passing of the online gaming bill, advocated by the current regime.
