ED attaches ₹7.93 Cr assets of celebrities in 1xBet betting case: The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached assets worth ₹7.93 crore of Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, Sonu Sood, and other celebrities in connection with the 1xBet illegal betting case.
Introduction
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped up its fight against the illegal online betting racket by attaching assets of ₹7.93 crore belonging to seven high-profile Indian celebrities, including cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, as well as actor Sonu Sood. The move is part of a wider investigation relating to an illicit offshore betting platform, 1xBet, which reportedly conducted business operations in India without obtaining approval and laundered money through celebrity endorsements.
This case underscores growing concerns about the rise of unlicensed or illegal online gambling platforms, the risks of money laundering, and the accountability of celebrities who promote such brands.
Celebrities Whose Assets Were Attached
The ED has issued a press release where it said that the following persons have been slapped with action:
- Yuvraj Singh (Former Indian cricketer)
- Robin Uthappa (Former Indian cricketer)
- Sonu Sood (Actor and philanthropist)
- Urvashi Rautela (Actress)
- Mimi Chakraborty (Actress and MP)
- Ankush Hazra (Actor)
- Neha Sharma (Actress)
The combined worth of movable and immovable property seized in this phase is ₹7.93 crore.
On October 6, the ED had also attached assets—including a ₹11.14 crore property of cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina—in the same case.
What Is the 1xBet Case?
Background of 1xBet
1xBet is a foreign-based betting and gambling website that provides illegal betting to Indian users. While the laws for betting differ from state to state in India, most forms of online betting and gambling are banned or heavily restricted.
Surrogate Branding Strategy
Some of the brands that 1xBet operates under were apparently used to circumvent Indian laws, for example:
- 1xBat
- 1xBat Sporting Lines
These were the brands being advertised in place of the main gambling website, making it a legal cover to promote and direct users to other gambling websites.
Why Did the ED Take Action?
The ED had lodged the PMLA case on the basis of numerous FIRs filed by different state police against 1xBet’s operators.
ED Fiasco Report / Its Significant Findings
To place it clearly, 1xBet did not obtain approval for its exercise in India.
People were purposely promoting the platform by using proxy brands.
The brand also managed to secure the signing of endorsement contracts with overseas companies.
Payments were sent through layered international transactions.
The intention was to disguise the illicit origin of the money.
Funds derived from gambling were defined as “proceeds of crime.”
Role of Celebrities in the Case
According to the ED, these celebrities:
- Signed contracts with foreign enterprises for the supply of products.
- Indirect 1xBet promotion through a front company.
- Indirect Sign Within Reaching the waystation\ Requested payments went through “foreign” carriers.
- Received money believed to have been made from illegal betting.
- Barring or restraining any person from participating in any activity with respect to his property, which falls under the category of offence under section 3 of the PMLA.
Legal Provisions Applied
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
Under PMLA:
Inchoate property: Any property traceable to a scheduled offence is proceeds of crime.
Property connected to money laundering can be temporarily attached.
Facilitation or indirect support can land one in legal trouble, too.
The ED made use of these provisions to attach the properties until the final adjudication by the courts.
Why Are Illegal Bets So Bad?
The ED stressed that the illegal betting networks:
- Causes significant economic losses.
- Encourage tax evasion.
- They are commonly used to facilitate money laundering.
- Can fund other criminal activities.
- Exploit users through unregulated practices.
ED’s Public and Celebrities Alert
For the Public
- Stay away from illegal betting and gambling companies.
- Is it important to suspect an ad or a financial offer?
- Be on the lookout for surrogate promotion on social media.
For Celebrities and Influencers
- It is a crime to support illegal bookies.
- Surrogate ads are not a legal shield.
- It’s important to do your research before promoting any brand.
Impact of the Case
This is a big precedent:
- Celebrities can get sued and be made to pay financially.
- Surrogate advertising will not cover up wrongdoings.
- Influencer marketing is under regulation. Most countries regulating vapes are closely monitoring influencer advertising religiously and taking action where necessary.
- It marks a move toward more aggressive enforcement in the digital advertising and online gaming industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is 1xBet?
1xBet registration is an offshore betting service that allegedly has illegal operations in this country, as well as surrogate websites that it wants you to limit its use.
Why did the celebrities’ assets get attached?
The ED claims that celebrities had willfully promoted these illegal betting sites and were paid in proceeds of crime.
What is surrogate advertising?
Surrogate advertising is used to promote a general brand/product or service, which might otherwise be illegal to advertise directly.
Can influencers be investigated?
Yes. The ED has cautioned that even social media influencers are liable if they are promoting illegal platforms.
Conclusion
The ED’s crackdown on top celebrities in the 1xBet matter is a reminder that the government believes it will have none of such illegal online gambling and money laundering. It’s also an important wake-up call that no amount of celebrity protects one from the law and an affirmation of well-vetted endorsements and compliance with laws in the digital age.
