ED attaches assets of Yuvraj Singh, Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela, others in PMLA case linked to illegal betting platform

According to the ED, the action follows investigations into illegal operations of the offshore betting platform 1xBet and its surrogate brands 1xBat and 1xBat Sporting Lines. “Multiple state police agencies had earlier registered FIRs (First Information Reports) against the operators of the platform, which allegedly promoted and facilitated illegal online betting across India,” a spokesperson for the ED said.

“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. These payments were connected to proceeds of crime generated through illegal betting and gambling activities,” the spokesperson said.

“Probe has also revealed that endorsements for 1xBet and its surrogate platforms were made in return for payments structured through layered transactions abroad to disguise their illegal source,” the agency stated. It added that the companies used surrogate branding and targeted Indian audiences through social media campaigns, online videos, and print advertisements despite lacking authorisation to operate in the country.

The agency cautioned that illegal betting and gambling platforms pose serious economic risks and often serve as conduits for money laundering and other criminal activities. It urged the public to report suspicious advertisements or transactions related to such platforms. “Celebrities and social media influencers are advised that endorsing or promoting illegal betting or gambling platforms, including surrogate promotions, is a punishable offence,” the central agency warned.