New Delhi: Popular YouTuber and social media influencer Anurag Dwivedi is now under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for his alleged role in online betting rackets.
The agency carried out raids in Lucknow and Unnao in Uttar Pradesh and seized four cars, including a Lamborghini Urus worth nearly Rs 5 crore, associated with the operations, as reported by ABP Live.
The ED is acting on a case linked to an illegal betting racket operating from Siliguri in West Bengal. Apart from the cars, key digital evidence pointing towards money laundering activities, was also seized by the ED, it has been reported.
Search operations were apparently carried out at nine locations in Lucknow and Unnao, based on an FIR registered by the West Bengal Police. The FIR alleges fraud, forgery and involvement in illegal betting activities.
An online betting panel was being operated from Siliguri, allegedly managed by accused individuals including Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj, the FIR has alleged. These operators reportedly used fake bank accounts, Telegram channels and other digital platforms to run illegal gambling and betting operations.
According to the report, the ED’s investigation has found that Dwivedi played an active and significant role in promoting these illegal online betting platforms. He created and shared promotional videos across his social media channels in exchange for substantial payments, the agency has claimed.
These funds were allegedly routed to him through hawala networks, fake bank accounts and cash deliveries.
It has been further stated by investigators that large sums of money were credited to bank accounts belonging to Dwivedi’s companies and family members, with no legitimate business explanation identified.
Proceeds generated from illegal betting activities were used to purchase real estate in Dubai, with investments made through hawala channels, the ED has alleged. The agency also claimed that Dwivedi is currently residing in Dubai and has failed to appear before investigators despite multiple summons.
During the December 17 searches in UP, the ED seized four vehicles believed to be proceeds of crime. These include the Lamborghini Urus, a Mercedes, a Ford Endeavour and a Mahindra Thar. The agency is now probing the source of funds, hawala links and foreign assets associated with the wider betting network, while also identifying other individuals connected to the racket.
