The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally summoned former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa in connection with its probe into alleged illegal activities linked to the online betting platform 1xBet. The agency will record their statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), officials said.
Sources stated Yuvraj is expected to appear before the ED on September 23, while Uthappa has been asked to join the proceedings on September 22. This makes Uthappa the fourth cricketer to be questioned in the case, following the earlier appearances of Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, and Yuvraj himself. Yuvraj had previously recorded a statement in June. Actor Sonu Sood has also been summoned to appear on September 24.
Read also: ED Summons Shikhar Dhawan in Betting App Case
The ongoing investigation centers on 1xBet, an online platform that offers betting services on sporting events globally. Authorities allege the platform has defrauded investors of substantial sums and evaded taxes. Reports indicate that certain celebrities and cricketers may have promoted the platform on social media, prompting ED scrutiny.
Officials noted that other public figures, including Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Harbhajan Singh, and Urvashi Rautela, have also come under investigation in related cases over the past year. The ED has emphasized its mandate to assess the flow of funds, alleged money laundering, and compliance with the recently enacted real-money online gaming legislation.
The agency also highlighted the arrest of Karnataka Congress MLA KC Veerendra, accused of operating illegal betting sites and collecting funds exceeding ₹2,000 crore. Veerendra and his associates reportedly used complex financial structures to conceal proceeds as legitimate e-commerce activity. He remains in ED custody, while the investigation continues to expand to other alleged promoters and facilitators, including high-profile sports and entertainment personalities.
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