ED Seizes Assets of Celebrities in Major Online Betting Crackdown

The Enforcement Directorate has taken significant action against illegal online betting by seizing assets worth ₹7.93 crores from several celebrities, including Urvashi Rautela and Sonu Sood. This crackdown follows a comprehensive investigation into the offshore betting platform 1xBet, which was found to be promoting illegal gambling activities in India. The inquiry revealed that these celebrities had entered into advertising agreements with foreign entities to endorse the platform, despite its lack of legal operation in the country. This move marks a continued effort by the ED to address high-profile involvement in unlawful betting practices.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:40 IST

Significant Action Against Illegal Online Betting

In a significant move against unlawful online betting, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated assets worth ₹7.93 crores belonging to several well-known personalities, including Urvashi Rautela, Sonu Sood, Ankush Hazra, Neha Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, and Mimi Chakraborty. This action was taken under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The investigation was initiated following multiple FIRs filed by various state police agencies against the operators of the illegal offshore betting platform 1xBet.

According to the ED, this platform, along with its associated brands 1xBat and 1xbat Sporting Lines, was actively involved in promoting and facilitating illegal online betting and gambling activities across India.

Celebrities Under Scrutiny

Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela, actor Sonu Sood, Neha Sharma, Mimi Chakraborty, and Ankush Hazra, along with former cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, now find themselves at the center of a comprehensive investigation by the ED regarding their endorsements of offshore betting platforms. The inquiry revealed that these celebrities intentionally entered into advertising agreements with foreign entities to promote 1xBet.

These promotional activities were allegedly conducted through social media platforms, online videos, and print advertisements, despite the platform lacking the legal right to operate in India. ED officials further indicated that payments for these advertisements were made through foreign intermediaries, with transactions structured at multiple levels to conceal illegal sources.

Previous Seizures by the ED

This is not the first instance of action against high-profile names in this case. Previously, on October 6, 2025, the ED seized assets worth ₹11.14 crores belonging to cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina as part of the same investigation.