The lavish Dubai wedding of a popular YouTuber from Uttar Pradesh has become the centre of a major financial probe, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigating allegations of massive money laundering linked to illegal online betting platforms. The individual in question is Anurag Dwivedi, a social media influencer with over 2.3 million followers from Khajur village in Unnao's Nawabganj.
A Wedding Celebration Contradicting a Middle-Class Persona
Dwivedi, known for his cricket content and fantasy cricket promotions, often projects an image of a middle-class influencer. However, investigators state his lifestyle tells a different story. The most glaring example was his wedding to Tamanna in November 2025. The ceremony was held aboard the Queen Elizabeth-2 cruise in Dubai, marking the culmination of their 12-year relationship.
The celebrations were extraordinarily opulent. Dwivedi reportedly hosted more than 130 guests, many of whom were travelling abroad for the first time. He covered all expenses, which included:
- Air travel on five separate flights and visa processing.
- Luxury accommodation across more than 25 hotel rooms.
- All meals, sightseeing tours to landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Creek.
- Arranging passports for guests who did not have one.
Attendees estimate that travel and lodging costs alone averaged between Rs 90,000 to Rs 1 lakh per guest. The total wedding budget, which included cruise bookings, décor, logistics, and performances by a prominent Bollywood singer and actor, ran into several crores of rupees.
The Enforcement Directorate's Probe and Major Raids
This extravagant display of wealth coincided with an intensifying investigation by the ED into Dwivedi's financial affairs. The federal agency alleges that he promoted illegal online betting platforms, received proceeds through hawala channels and mule bank accounts, and invested the illicit funds in real estate in Dubai.
Recently, the ED's Kolkata Zonal Office conducted extensive searches at ten locations across Lucknow, Unnao, and Delhi. These included Dwivedi's residence and his uncle's home in Nawabganj. The raids, supported by CRPF personnel, led to the seizure of significant assets:
- Luxury vehicles: A Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes, Ford Endeavour, and Mahindra Thar.
- Cash, digital devices, and a trove of financial documents.
The probe has its roots in a 2022 FIR by the West Bengal Police after a raid in Siliguri uncovered an organised online betting ring operated by Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj. Fund-trail analysis from that case allegedly led investigators to accounts connected to Dwivedi and his associates.
Corporate Links and Assets Frozen
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs data reveals Dwivedi's association with several firms, including Fantwear Fashion, RP Greens India, DSD Sports and Media, and Bhumideva Projects. The ED alleges these entities were used to launder illicit proceeds.
Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the agency has already frozen bank balances, fixed deposits, and insurance policies worth approximately Rs 3 crore. The overall estimated value of movable and immovable assets linked to Dwivedi in this case is around Rs 20 crore.
Officials claim Dwivedi's role involved creating promotional videos for illegal betting apps. Payments were allegedly received through family members, intermediaries, and his companies, which were then used to fund his luxury lifestyle. Dwivedi, who has been associated with online gaming for the past seven years, is currently residing in Dubai and has not complied with multiple ED summons to appear for questioning.
The recent searches aimed to trace the source of crores of rupees allegedly generated through fantasy cricket platforms like Dream11. Documents related to bank transactions, property ownership, and digital devices were seized to build a stronger case. The investigation remains active as authorities piece together the full scale of the alleged financial network.
