ED Attaches Rs 11.14 Cr Assets of Ex-Cricketers in Betting Case
India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth approximately Rs 11.14 crore belonging to former international cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan in connection with an investigation into a large-scale online betting platform. The agency alleges both individuals knowingly entered into endorsement agreements with foreign entities linked to the platform, resulting in proceeds of crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Case Background
The probe focuses on the betting and gaming portal 1xBet and its Indian operations. According to ED, the endorsements and payments made by the platform to the sports stars helped channel money through opaque routes. The ED claims these payments were used to acquire assets domestically and abroad, which are now subject to attachment pending adjudication.
Legal Process and Next Steps
Under the PMLA framework, once the attachment order is issued, it is sent to the Adjudicating Authority for confirmation. Upon approval, the case will be filed before a designated court for confiscation proceedings. Raina and Dhawan have been questioned by investigators, and further actions may be taken as the inquiry progresses.
