The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken decisive action in a significant betting case, issuing orders for the provisional attachment of assets belonging to several high-profile celebrities. The list includes former Indian cricketing legend Yuvraj Singh and Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, among others.
High-Profile Names Under ED Scanner
According to the agency's latest move on 19 December 2025, the attached properties are linked to an ongoing money laundering investigation connected to illegal betting operations. The ED's action is based on the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Apart from Yuvraj Singh and Sonu Sood, the dragnet has also ensnared other notable figures from the entertainment industry. The properties of actor Neha Sharma have been attached in this case. Furthermore, the agency has also attached assets belonging to the mother of model and actress Urvashi Rautela, indicating the probe's wide reach into financial networks.
Regional Cinema Figures Also Included
The action is not limited to Bollywood and cricket. The ED's order also covers assets of prominent Bengali actor Ankush Hazra. This highlights the pan-India nature of the investigation, which appears to trace financial flows across different regional entertainment hubs.
The attachment of assets is a provisional measure, meaning the ED believes these properties were acquired using the proceeds of crime linked to the betting case. This prevents the owners from selling or transferring these assets while the investigation is ongoing. The total value of the attached properties across all individuals has not been immediately disclosed by the agency.
Implications and Next Steps
This development marks a serious escalation in the legal troubles for the individuals named. An attachment order is often a precursor to the filing of a formal chargesheet by the ED. The individuals involved will now have the opportunity to present their case before the adjudicating authority under the PMLA to contest the attachment.
The case underscores the ED's increasing focus on the alleged use of illicit funds from betting rings being funneled into legitimate businesses and high-value assets, including real estate, through celebrity connections. The investigation is expected to delve deeper into the financial transactions and the alleged links between the accused and the betting syndicate.
As of now, the reactions from Yuvraj Singh, Sonu Sood, Neha Sharma, Urvashi Rautela's family, or Ankush Hazra are awaited. The news has sent shockwaves through the sports and entertainment industries, raising questions about the extent of such financial entanglements.
