In a major crackdown on suspected digital betting networks, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated a fleet of luxury vehicles from a popular Uttar Pradesh-based cricket YouTuber. The action is part of an ongoing money laundering investigation connected to alleged illegal online betting operations running into crores of rupees.
Luxury Cars and Dubai Assets Under Scanner
Federal agency officials carried out coordinated searches at nine locations across Lucknow, Unnao, and Nawabganj on Wednesday. During these raids, they seized several high-end vehicles, including a Lamborghini Urus, a Mercedes, a Ford Endeavour, and a Mahindra Thar. The searches targeted premises linked to Anurag Dwivedi, a cricket influencer originally from Unnao district, as well as the homes of his relatives.
Investigators recovered documents pointing to substantial investments in Dubai real estate. These investments are suspected to have been financed through hawala networks, which are informal channels for moving money across borders. Officials stated that Dwivedi, who has been residing in Dubai, has repeatedly ignored summons to appear for questioning.
The Betting Network and the YouTuber's Alleged Role
The ED's case originates from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the West Bengal Police in Siliguri. The police alleged offences of cheating, forgery, and illegal betting. The probe focuses on two accused individuals, Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj, who allegedly operated online betting panels using Telegram channels, dubious bank accounts, and digital platforms.
Anurag Dwivedi is suspected of playing an "active role" in promoting these illicit platforms. According to the ED, he created promotional videos and received illegal payments through a complex web of hawala operators, mule bank accounts, and cash couriers. The agency claims these funds were then deposited into the bank accounts of his companies and family members without any legitimate business rationale.
Raids in Village and Links to Fantasy Cricket
The operation saw ED teams, accompanied by CRPF personnel, arrive at Dwivedi's village home in Khajur, under the Ajgain police station. Finding the house locked, security personnel stood guard until the YouTuber's mother was brought from the village to open it. Searches extended late into the evening, with officials examining rooms and seizing documents related to bank transactions, property deals, and digital devices.
Investigators are also examining whether the alleged illegal earnings, estimated to be in the crores of rupees, were partially generated through fantasy cricket platforms like Dream11. They are probing potential connections between these legitimate-appearing platforms and unauthorized betting networks.
Dwivedi, who has built a large social media following over seven years of creating cricket content, recently gained attention for his lavish cruise wedding in Dubai. Circle officer Hasan Ganj Arvind Chaurasia confirmed the searches but declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
