YouTuber Anurag Dwivedi Under Investigation for Money Laundering Linked to Illegal Betting
Enforcement Directorate Targets YouTuber in Money Laundering Case
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated searches against 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, an online influencer, in Unnao and Lucknow. During these operations, they confiscated four luxury vehicles and retrieved documents indicating that he allegedly invested in real estate in Dubai through Hawala, using funds generated from illegal online betting.
As per ED officials, Dwivedi is currently based in Dubai.
This case, initiated 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 mentioned that the ED has summoned Dwivedi for questioning several times, but he has yet to respond.
Attempts to reach the YouTuber for comments were unsuccessful.
According to the police and ED reports, 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 those of his family members without any legitimate commercial rationale, according to officials.
The searches resulted in the seizure of a Lamborghini Urus, a Mercedes, a Ford Endeavour, and a Mahindra Thar belonging to Dwivedi.