ED interrogation of Robin Uthappa. (Photo- Instagram)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation in the money laundering case related to illegal online betting platform 1xbet. On Tuesday, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa reached the ED headquarters, where he will be answered. This case has now spread from cricketers to Bollywood stars, including names like Yuvraj Singh, Urvashi Rautela and Sonu Sood. The agency wants to get information from these celebrities about the promotion, contact source and payment received from these celebrities.
ED interrogation of Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa was ordered by ED on 22 September. He has appeared in a promotional video, due to which the investigating agency focused on his contract, transaction and association with the app. According to sources, ED suspects that Celebrity Endorsments played a big role in increasing the popularity of this platform, causing loss of crores of rupees to investors. In such a situation, ED wants to know from them who contacted him to promote this app related to betting and in exchange for promotion, how was they paid.
ED has called former star cricketer Yuvraj Singh for questioning on 23 September and actor Sonu Sood on 24 September. Yuvraj has been associated with the promotion of 1xbet. At the same time, Sonu Sood is also facing similar notices. Earlier, Urvashi Rautela, who is the India brand ambassador of 1xbet, was called on September 16, but she has not yet appeared. In this case, ED has already questioned former cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina. Both faced questions on promotional activities and sources of payment for hours.
What is 1xbet case?
1xbet is an online betting platform, which is operating illegally in India. This platform is involved in illegal betting activities violating Indian laws. Central agencies have initiated an investigation into financial transactions, tax evasion and data security violations of this platform. Earlier there was no central law for online betting in India, but many states ban it. In 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) banned 174 illegal betting apps, including 1xbet. In addition, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act was passed in 2025, which banned online betting and provides punishment for this.