In a major crackdown, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally seized assets worth nearly Rs 8 crore belonging to a host of high-profile celebrities from cricket and Bollywood. The action is linked to an ongoing money laundering probe into the illegal operations of the offshore betting platform 1xBet.
Celebrities and Assets Under the Scanner
The central probe agency, on Friday, December 19, 2025, announced the attachment of movable and immovable properties valued at Rs 7.93 crore. The list of celebrities includes former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, as well as popular actors Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela, Mimi Chakraborty, Ankush Hazra, and Neha Sharma. The attachments have been made under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
This is not the first such action in this case. Earlier, on October 6, 2025, the ED had frozen assets worth Rs 11.14 crore belonging to cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina. The investigations are centered on the illicit activities of the betting platform 1xBet and its surrogate brands like 1xBat and 1xBat Sporting Lines.
The Allegations: Endorsements for Illicit Funds
According to the ED's findings, these celebrities knowingly entered into endorsement agreements with foreign entities connected to 1xBet. The agency's spokesperson stated that the probe revealed payments were accepted by the celebrities, which were routed through overseas intermediaries. This method was allegedly used to conceal the illicit origin of the funds.
"The probe revealed that the celebrities knowingly entered into endorsement agreements with foreign entities linked to 1xBet, accepting payments routed through overseas intermediaries to conceal the illicit origin of funds," the ED spokesperson said. "These payments were connected to proceeds of crime generated through illegal betting and gambling activities."
The agency further elaborated that the endorsements for 1xBet and its surrogate platforms were made in return for payments that were structured through complex, layered transactions abroad. This was done specifically to disguise their illegal source. Despite having no authorisation to operate in India, these companies aggressively targeted Indian audiences using surrogate branding, social media campaigns, online videos, and print advertisements.
Wider Implications and Public Warning
The ED has issued a stern warning regarding the serious economic threats posed by illegal betting and gambling platforms. It highlighted that such platforms often act as conduits for money laundering and other criminal activities, undermining the financial system's integrity.
The agency has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious advertisements or transactions related to such unauthorized platforms. In a clear message to influencers, the ED cautioned, "Celebrities and social media influencers are advised that endorsing or promoting illegal betting or gambling platforms, including surrogate promotions, is a punishable offence."
The case originated from multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by various state police agencies against the operators of the 1xBet platform for allegedly promoting and facilitating illegal online betting across the country. The ED's money laundering investigation stems from these police cases.
