NATIONAL: Money Laundering Case: ED Summons Sonu Sood and Ex-Cricketers
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has put the spotlight on actor Sonu Sood and former cricketers Robin Uthappa and Yuvraj Singh, summoning them in a money laundering probe linked to the banned 1xBet betting app.
With notices demanding their appearance this week, the agency is digging into how celebrity endorsements may have fueled illegal financial schemes.
The case has already drawn in other big names, raising questions about the murky world of online betting.
Who’s Been Called?
Robin Uthappa is set to face ED questions on September 22 about transactions tied to 1xBet’s betting operations.
Yuvraj Singh is due the next day, followed by Sonu Sood on the 24th.
The agency wants to know if these stars knowingly or unknowingly aided the app’s illicit activities.
Others in the Crosshairs
The ED has been busy recently, questioning:
- Former cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan over their promotional ties to 1xBet.
- Former TMC MP and actress Mimi Chakraborty, who gave her statement on Monday.
- Bengali actor Ankush Hazra, who appeared before the ED on Tuesday.
- Actress Urvashi Rautela, a brand ambassador for the app, also served a notice.
What’s the Scam?
The ED’s probe reveals 1xBet, active for 18 years and available in 70 languages, lured bettors with promises of big payouts on sports events.
But investigators say it was a front for tax evasion and siphoning crores, defrauding users while hiding illicit funds.
The app’s glossy image, backed by celebrity endorsements, masked a darker financial operation.
Why It Matters
This case shows the risks celebrities face when endorsing online platforms, where a quick ad deal can lead to serious legal trouble.
As the ED tightens the screws, the fallout could reshape how stars approach brand partnerships in the digital age.