ED Attaches ₹18 Crore Assets in 1xBet Illegal Betting Case, Total Seizures Reach ₹37 Crore
Agency targets celebrities and firms linked to promotion of betting app
Case reveals concealed fund transfers, mirror websites, and money laundering
By Legal Reporter
New Delhi: March 04, 2026:
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets worth ₹18.10 crore in connection with the illegal online betting platform 1xBet, taking total seizures in the case to ₹37 crore. The action, announced on March 2, 2026, was carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
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The ED alleges that 1xBet operated in India without authorization, promoting illegal betting and gambling activities through multiple mirror websites and concealed fund transfer mechanisms. The case has drawn national attention, as assets belonging to several celebrities and firms linked to promotional activities have been attached.
Case Details
- Illegal Operations: 1xBet allegedly ran betting platforms in India without approval, using mirror websites to evade detection.
- Fund Transfers: Investigations revealed concealed mechanisms for collecting money through dynamically generated UPI IDs linked to mule bank accounts, disguising beneficiaries.
- Celebrity Links: Assets of cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, and actors Sonu Sood, Urvashi Rautela, Mimi Chakraborty, Ankush Hazra, and Neha Sharma were provisionally attached. These were linked to promotional contracts with firms associated with 1xBet.
- Corporate Involvement: The ED found that Parthtech Developers LLP, which operates cricket platforms CREX and OneCricket, entered into structured advertisement agreements with Bwise Media AG (Switzerland) to promote 1xBet.
- Legal Basis: The attachments were made under Section 5 of PMLA, which empowers ED to seize assets suspected of being proceeds of crime.
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ED’s Observations
- Layering of Transactions: Funds were routed through multiple accounts to conceal the origin and beneficiaries.
- Promotion of Illegal Betting: Celebrities and firms allegedly promoted 1xBet through advertisements, indirectly aiding illegal gambling.
- Public Interest: The ED stressed that illegal betting undermines financial integrity and exposes citizens to fraud.
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Why This Matters
- Financial Integrity: The crackdown highlights the government’s commitment to curbing illegal betting and money laundering.
- Celebrity Accountability: The case raises questions about endorsements and promotional contracts linked to unauthorized platforms.
- Legal Precedent: It reinforces the ED’s powers under PMLA to attach assets even at the provisional stage of investigation.
Reactions and Implications
- Legal Experts: Lawyers note that the case could set a precedent for holding celebrities accountable for endorsements linked to unlawful activities.
- Public Perception: Citizens expressed concern over the involvement of popular figures in promoting betting platforms.
- Industry Impact: The crackdown may deter companies from entering into promotional agreements with unregulated platforms.
Wider Context
- India has seen a surge in online betting platforms, many operating illegally through foreign servers and mirror websites.
- The government has tightened rules under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and PMLA, 2002, to curb such activities.
- The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has also issued advisories against illegal betting apps, warning of strict action.
- Globally, regulators are increasingly targeting online betting platforms for tax evasion and money laundering.
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Conclusion
The ED’s attachment of ₹18 crore worth of assets in the 1xBet case, raising total seizures to ₹37 crore, marks a significant step in India’s fight against illegal betting and money laundering. By targeting celebrities, firms, and concealed fund transfer mechanisms, the agency has sent a strong message that unlawful activities will not be tolerated. The case is expected to influence future enforcement actions and reshape the landscape of online betting regulation in India.
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