New Delhi, September 16 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned actor Sonu Sood and former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh in connection with its investigation into the illegal online betting platform 1xBet. Officials confirmed that the move comes as part of a wider crackdown on unlawful real-money gaming platforms.
According to sources, Yuvraj Singh has been directed to appear before the agency on September 23, while Sonu Sood has been asked to depose on September 24. Former cricketer Robin Uthappa, also linked to the probe, has been called on September 22. Their statements will be recorded under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED is investigating allegations that 1xBet operated illegally in India, laundered proceeds through layered channels, evaded taxes, and promoted its services using surrogate advertisements. Officials said the inquiry focuses on endorsement contracts, payments made to celebrities, and communication between public figures and the betting platform’s operators.
The agency has earlier questioned cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina over promotional arrangements tied to 1xBet. Actress Urvashi Rautela has also been summoned in the same case.
Investigators are expanding their scope beyond celebrity endorsements to include digital platforms, payment gateways, and financial intermediaries. Representatives from major online platforms have been asked to explain how betting app advertisements were allowed and monetised. The ED is also tracking fund flows routed through banks, PayPal, and other gateways to establish the money trail.
Officials hinted that more public personalities and middlemen may be called in the coming weeks as the agency pieces together the financial and operational network behind 1xBet’s alleged fraud.
