YouTuber Anurag Dwivedi under ED lens for promoting illegal betting apps, luxury cars seized
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its probe into alleged money laundering linked to illegal online betting and gambling platforms, conducting searches at the residence of YouTuber Anurag Dwivedi in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao.
During the raid, the agency seized four high-end luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini Urus, a BMW Z4, and a Mercedes-Benz, according to media reports, which quoted officials.
Dwivedi, who runs a popular YouTube channel, is accused of amassing massive illegal earnings by promoting online betting apps.
According to NDTV's sources in the ED, a significant portion of Dwivedi’s income came from platforms such as Sky Exchange and other gambling apps, which facilitate online betting, which is illegal in India.
The money earned through these platforms was allegedly laundered via multiple channels and later used to purchase luxury cars, high-value assets, and properties.
The agency has registered the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators allege that Dwivedi attempted to disguise the proceeds of crime as legitimate income by routing funds through companies, family members’ bank accounts, mule accounts, and hawala networks.
Officials said large sums were credited to accounts linked to Dwivedi and his relatives without any valid commercial justification.
The ED has also found evidence suggesting that he invested part of the illegal earnings in immovable properties abroad, particularly in Dubai.
Dwivedi allegedly played a key role in expanding the reach of illegal betting platforms by creating and circulating promotional videos on his YouTube channel, encouraging a large number of users to join these apps.
Payments for promotions were reportedly received through cash deliveries and intermediaries.
In a parallel development, the West Bengal Police conducted searches in Siliguri, where additional accused, identified as Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj, were found to be operating mule bank accounts and Telegram channels to facilitate online betting operations.
The ED is now tracing the full money trail, identifying other individuals involved in the network, and assessing the total proceeds of crime.
Officials indicated that further seizures and action against more accused could follow in the coming days.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
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