ED Poised to Attach Assets of Cricketers and Actors in 1xBet Money-Laundering Probe

The agency is moving to provisional PMLA attachments based on findings that some endorsement fees funded assets considered proceeds of crime.

Overview

Official sources say the Enforcement Directorate is preparing provisional orders to seize movable and immovable properties, including some in the UAE, after valuing the assets.
Investigators report that certain celebrities used fees from 1xBet promotions to acquire assets the agency deems proceeds of crime under the PMLA.
Statements have been recorded under Section 50 from cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa and Shikhar Dhawan, as well as actors Sonu Sood, Mimi Chakraborty and Ankush Hazra, with more depositions pending.
Actor Urvashi Rautela, described as 1xBet’s India ambassador, was summoned but did not appear as she was said to be abroad.
After issuance, attachment orders will go to the PMLA Adjudicating Authority for confirmation, and officials indicate a chargesheet could follow; in a related case, ED attachments against Fairplay now total Rs 651 crore, including Dubai properties.