Uttar Pradesh YouTuber Under Investigation for Money Laundering Linked to Illegal Betting

Enforcement Directorate's Action Against Online Influencer

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated searches targeting a YouTuber and online influencer from Uttar Pradesh as part of a money laundering investigation associated with illicit online betting activities, officials reported on Thursday.

The federal agency executed raids at nine locations, including the residence of Anurag Dwivedi, who is also recognized as an online influencer, in Unnao and Lucknow. During these operations, authorities confiscated four luxury vehicles and retrieved documents indicating that he allegedly invested in Dubai real estate through Hawala, utilizing funds generated from illegal online betting.

As per ED officials, Dwivedi is currently based in Dubai.

The case, registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), originates from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the West Bengal Police, which includes allegations of cheating, forgery, and illegal betting.

Officials noted that the ED has summoned Dwivedi for questioning several times, but he has failed to appear.

Attempts to reach the YouTuber for comments were unsuccessful.

According to the police and ED investigation, an online betting operation was allegedly run from Siliguri by individuals named Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj, utilizing dubious bank accounts, Telegram channels, and various digital platforms.

The ED claims that Dwivedi played a significant role in promoting these illegal online betting sites.

"He produced and disseminated promotional content and received illicit payments through Hawala operators, mule accounts, and cash deliveries via intermediaries," stated an ED official.

Funds were allegedly deposited into the bank accounts of Dwivedi's companies and family members without any legitimate commercial rationale, according to officials.

During the raids, a Lamborghini Urus, a Mercedes, a Ford Endeavour, and a Mahindra Thar belonging to Dwivedi were seized.