Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the online betting platform 1xBet. Officials said the 39-year-old arrived at the agency’s Delhi office around 11 am to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Celebrities Under the Scanner
Uthappa is the latest in a growing list of public figures questioned by the ED in the case. Over the past few weeks, former cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan, along with actor and former TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty and Bengali actor Ankush Hazra, have been summoned. Yuvraj Singh and actor Sonu Sood have also been asked to appear later this week.
Focus on 1xBet Operations
The probe centres on the operations of 1xBet, a Curacao-registered betting company that promotes itself as a global bookmaker with services in 70 languages. Investigators allege that the platform duped lakhs of users and evaded significant direct and indirect taxes in India. The ED is seeking details on endorsements, including how celebrities were approached, their payment modes, and whether they were aware of betting being illegal in India.
Contracts and Payments Under Scrutiny
Sources said the agency has asked those questioned to provide copies of their contracts with the company, related emails, and other documentation. Investigators are also examining the end use of endorsement money to determine if it can be classified as “proceeds of crime” under the PMLA.
Wider Crackdown on Online Gaming
The case comes amid a broader crackdown on online gaming and betting in India. Earlier this year, the Union government formally banned real money online gaming, citing social and financial risks. Officials estimate that nearly 22 crore Indians had accounts on such platforms, with about half being regular users. The Indian betting market was pegged at over USD 100 billion, growing annually at around 30 percent before the ban.
ED’s Strategy Going Forward
The ED has said it will continue its focused probe into illegal betting networks and their financial links. More celebrities, sportspersons, and influencers are expected to be questioned in the coming days as the investigation expands.
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