Robin Uthappa to appear before ED on Sept 22, a day before Yuvraj Singh, in connection with the banned online betting platform 1xBet.
BY PC Bureau
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa for questioning in connection with its investigation into the alleged illegal online betting platform 1xBet, sources confirmed on Tuesday.
Officials have directed Robin Uthappa, 39, to appear before the agency on September 22 to record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Uthappa, who retired from professional cricket in 2022, had previously featured in promotional content for 1xBet, which is under ED scrutiny for suspected financial violations.
Yuvraj Singh has been summoned for questioning on September 23, a day after Uthappa’s scheduled appearance.
According to sources, the ED is probing alleged money laundering activities linked to 1xBet, an online betting platform banned in India but still accessible through proxy websites. The company faces accusations of laundering illicit gains, evading taxes, and manipulating its algorithms to mislead users.
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The summons to Singh and Uthappa follows a series of recent interrogations involving high-profile figures. Earlier this month, former Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina were questioned in connection with the same case. Reports suggest Dhawan was grilled for nearly eight hours regarding his promotional association with the app.
The ED has also expanded its probe to include entertainment industry celebrities. Last week, Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela, Bengali actor Ankush Hazra, and former TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty were summoned. Rautela, a brand ambassador for 1xBet in India, is under investigation for her promotional role in the platform’s operations.
Investigators are examining whether celebrity endorsements helped 1xBet gain credibility and continue operating illegally in India. The probe remains active, and more summons are expected in the coming weeks.
