Actor and model Urvashi Rautela has been questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case linked to an online betting and gaming platform named 1xBet in New Delhi, as per media reports.
The 31-year-old has been serving as the India brand ambassador of the platform, which is registered in the Caribbean island of Curacao. The agency has recorded her statement under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Several other celebrities, including cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Robin Uthappa and Shikhar Dhawan, as well as actors Sonu Sood, Mimi Chakraborty and Ankush Hazra, have also been questioned in connection with the case over the past few weeks. Some online influencers have been summoned as well.
The reports suggested that the investigation has examined how celebrities were approached for endorsements, the channels through which payments were made, and whether they were aware that online betting and gaming are illegal in India. The ED has also sought contracts, emails and related documents from the endorsers.
Officials have said that assets worth crores, allegedly purchased by some sportspersons and actors using endorsement fees, may be attached as they qualify as “proceeds of crime” under the anti-money laundering law.
