The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth Rs 11.14 crore belonging to former Indian cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan as part of its investigation into an illegal online betting network linked to 1xBet and its related brands.

According to officials, the ED has issued a provisional attachment order for:

  • Rs 6.64 crore in mutual fund investments held in Suresh Raina’s name

  • An immovable property worth Rs 4.5 crore owned by Shikhar Dhawan

The agency’s investigation suggests that both Raina and Dhawan had signed endorsement agreements with foreign companies connected to 1xBet.

The ED claims the two former cricketers “knowingly” promoted the betting platform, which is not permitted to operate in India. Other celebrities, including Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, and actors Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela, Mimi Chakraborty, and Ankush Hazra, have also been questioned during the probe.

Investigators say the promotional payments were routed through foreign companies. The transactions were layered to make the money appear legitimate, even though the funds allegedly came from illegal betting profits.

The ED reports that:

  • Over 6,000 ‘mule’ bank accounts were used in India

  • The money was passed through multiple channels to hide its origin

  • The alleged laundering could total over Rs 1,000 crore

The agency recently searched four payment gateways, freezing more than Rs 4 crore and 60 bank accounts. Officers also collected digital records linked to the betting operations.

1xBet is registered in Curacao and claims to operate globally. However, the ED says the platform targeted Indian users through hidden online channels and unverified payment links.

The ED has warned people not to promote or take part in online betting activities. It has also urged citizens to never allow others to use their bank accounts for unknown transactions.

The agency has reminded that under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA):

  • Allowing one’s account to be used for illegal transactions can lead to up to 7 years in jail

  • Properties earned through such funds can be seized

The ED said the investigation into payment intermediaries, celebrity promoters, and foreign companies is still ongoing. Citizens have been encouraged to report suspicious betting ads or money transfers to the authorities.