Did Yuvraj Singh Appear Before ED in the 1xBet Illegal Betting App Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yuvraj Singh appeared before the ED regarding 1xBet.
- The investigation is part of a broader money laundering probe.
- Other celebrities are also being questioned.
- The 1xBet app has been linked to serious financial misconduct.
- There are implications for sports endorsements in India.
New Delhi, Sep 23 (NationPress) In the 1xBet illegal betting application case, former Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh appeared before the ED on Tuesday, providing insights into his promotional activities for the dubious company, according to sources.
The 43-year-old left-handed batsman arrived at the ED office in Delhi around noon, accompanied by his attorney, and departed after a few hours.
His questioning coincided with that of actress and influencer Anveshi Jain, as both celebrities were requested to furnish personal details and documents, including their Aadhaar and PAN.
This notable cricketer is part of an extensive list of celebrities and sports figures interrogated by the ED in a money laundering investigation related to the illegal betting app. Most of these individuals have been summoned due to their endorsement advertisements promoting the application.
The ED initiated an investigation into the app after an extravagant reception hosted by one of the founders of the gambling platform in the UAE. This inquiry has also uncovered a Rs 5,000 crore hawala racket operating between the UAE and Pakistan.
Former cricketer Robin Uthappa was questioned by the ED on Monday, while actor Sonu Sood is expected to meet with the investigative agency on Wednesday.
Additionally, former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has faced interrogation by the ED concerning alleged money laundering linked to an 'unauthorized' gaming app he endorsed in advertisements.
The former Team India opener was summoned to clarify his advertising contract with the application named 1xBet, according to official sources. Dhawan reportedly endured several hours of questioning upon his arrival at the ED headquarters in the national capital.
In addition to Dhawan, former cricketer Suresh Raina has also recently been interrogated by the ED in connection with the 1xBet case.
Dhawan, who owns the South Delhi Superstarz team in the Delhi Premier League, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in August of the previous year after a career that spanned over a decade.
The 1xBet India website claims that the company provides numerous sports betting options for registered users. It features games such as Aviator Game Online, cricket betting lines, and online casino slots, allowing bets through Telegram payments on sporting events including football, basketball, cricket, tennis, and e-sports.
The company behind the app is based in Cyprus and ranks among the largest online casinos. It is known for sponsoring football teams in Spain and France. Following investigations into alleged financial misconduct, the company was compelled to cease operations in the UK, US, Russia, Spain, and France.
The controversy surrounding Dhawan's involvement with an illegal application closely follows the uproar generated last year by the Mahadev Satta App, which involved celebrities such as actors Ranbir Kapoor, Boman Irani, Hina Khan, and Shraddha Kapoor.