ED Summons Ex-Cricketer Robin Uthappa in Illegal Betting Probe: 1xBet Case Escalates
New Delhi, September 16, 2025 — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa for questioning on September 22, 2025, in connection with a high-profile money laundering investigation linked to the illegal online betting platform 1xBet. The 39-year-old, who retired from professional cricket in 2022, becomes the third former Indian cricketer to be called in this case, following Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan. The probe, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), has also drawn in celebrities from the entertainment industry, intensifying scrutiny on celebrity endorsements of dubious betting apps.
Background of the Investigation
The ED’s investigation centers on 1xBet, a globally recognized betting platform that claims 18 years of operation and services in 70 languages. The platform, banned in India, is accused of orchestrating illegal betting operations, defrauding investors and the public of crores of rupees, and evading significant tax liabilities. The agency is probing financial transactions tied to the app, suspecting violations under the PMLA, including money laundering and illegal fund transfers abroad. Sources indicate that the ED is examining promotional activities by celebrities, which may have facilitated the app’s operations in India despite government bans.
According to reports, 1xBet allegedly used surrogate advertisements across media platforms to collect funds, circumventing 2023 government advisories prohibiting betting app promotions. The ED’s crackdown extends beyond 1xBet, targeting a broader network of illegal betting apps accused of cheating investors and dodging taxes. Estimates suggest over 220 million Indian users engage with such platforms, with 110 million being regular users, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Robin Uthappa’s Involvement
Robin Uthappa, a key member of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup-winning team, has been directed to appear at the ED’s Delhi headquarters on September 22 to record his statement. Sources reveal that Uthappa featured in promotional videos for 1xBet, which has drawn the agency’s attention. The ED is likely to question him about the nature of his association with the company, the terms of any contracts signed, and the payments he received for endorsements. “Investigators believe promotional activities and financial trails tied to celebrities endorsing the brand could be crucial in establishing the app’s money flow,” a source told The Indian Express.
Uthappa, who played 46 ODIs and 13 T20Is for India, scoring 934 and 249 runs respectively, had a notable career in the Indian Premier League (IPL), particularly with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Since retiring, he has transitioned into a cricket analyst and commentator. His summons follows closely on the heels of similar notices issued to former teammates Yuvraj Singh (summoned for September 23), Suresh Raina, and Shikhar Dhawan, the latter questioned for eight hours earlier this month over similar endorsement links.
Broader Crackdown on Celebrities
The ED’s probe extends beyond cricketers, targeting high-profile figures from the entertainment industry. Former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty and Bengali actor Ankush Hazra were questioned on September 15 and 16, respectively, while Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela, the Indian brand ambassador for 1xBet, was summoned but has yet to appear. Rautela’s role as a prominent endorser has drawn particular scrutiny, with allegations that the app engaged in money laundering, tax evasion, and algorithm rigging to cheat users.
The agency has also summoned representatives from tech giants like Google and Meta to investigate how these platforms facilitated the app’s reach through advertisements. The ED’s focus is on tracing financial trails, including payments made to celebrities and influencers, to uncover potential money laundering networks. “The agency is looking into the financial transactions and the nature of the involvement of these public figures,” a source told India Today.
Public and Industry Reactions
The summons of high-profile cricketers like Uthappa has sparked significant discussion on social media platforms like X. A post by @iAtulKrishan1 on September 16 read, “ED heat on Cricketer Robin Uthappa. ED summons Uthappa in alleged illegal betting app 1xBet case. He has to appear before the ED team on September 22.” Public sentiment on X reflects a mix of shock and frustration, with some users questioning the accountability of celebrities endorsing such platforms. One user posted, “Cricketers promoting betting apps? This is a new low for our heroes,” while others defended the players, suggesting they may have been unaware of the apps’ legal status.
Industry experts have highlighted the ethical implications of celebrity endorsements. “Celebrities must exercise due diligence before associating with brands, especially in sensitive sectors like betting,” said Rohan Sharma, a media analyst. The case has reignited debates about the responsibility of public figures in verifying the legitimacy of the products they promote, particularly in light of government advisories issued in 2023.
Legal and Regulatory Context
The ED’s investigation is part of a broader crackdown on illegal betting apps operating in India. These platforms are accused of violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) by transferring funds abroad illegally and engaging in tax evasion. The PMLA, under which Uthappa and others are being questioned, allows the ED to probe financial transactions linked to proceeds of crime, including money laundering.
The government’s 2023 advisory explicitly banned betting app advertisements across media and digital platforms, yet endorsements by celebrities and influencers have persisted, prompting the ED to widen its probe. The agency’s actions align with India’s efforts to regulate online gaming and betting, a sector that has grown exponentially but remains fraught with legal ambiguities.
Implications for Uthappa and Others
For Uthappa, the summons could have significant reputational and legal ramifications. While there is no indication that he is directly implicated in money laundering, the ED’s questions will likely focus on the financial details of his endorsement deals and whether he was aware of 1xBet’s illegal status in India. The outcome of his questioning could set a precedent for how the agency handles other celebrities involved in similar cases.
The probe also underscores the risks faced by public figures endorsing unregulated platforms. Legal experts suggest that celebrities could face penalties if found complicit in promoting illegal activities, though ignorance of the law may not be a sufficient defense. “Endorsers are expected to verify the legality of the brands they promote, especially in regulated sectors,” said Advocate Priya Gupta, a legal consultant specializing in financial crimes.
Looking Ahead
As the ED continues its investigation, the focus will remain on unraveling the financial networks behind 1xBet and similar platforms. The summons of high-profile figures like Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh, and others signals the agency’s intent to hold endorsers accountable, potentially reshaping how celebrities approach brand partnerships. The case also highlights the need for stricter regulations in the online betting industry to protect consumers and prevent financial malpractices.
The public awaits further developments, particularly Uthappa’s appearance on September 22 and Yuvraj Singh’s on September 23. Authorities have urged anyone with information about 1xBet’s operations to contact the ED, as the agency works to dismantle the network of illegal betting apps operating in India.
For More News Updates Follow Us On Www.tconews.in
