The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted raids at the premises of a YouTuber and online influencer based in Uttar Pradesh in connection with a money laundering case linked to illegal online betting. The YouTuber, Anurag Dwivedi, a resident of Unnao district, is accused of earning huge amounts by promoting online betting and gambling apps. Officials said he was leading a lavish lifestyle. During the searches, the ED seized four luxury sports cars, including a Lamborghini Urus, a BMW Z4 and a Mercedes-Benz, from his home. The investigation aims to track the money trail and identify illegal income generated through online gambling platforms.
According to sources, a large part of Anurag Dwivedi’s income allegedly came from Sky Exchange and other online gambling apps. These platforms allow online betting, which is illegal in India. Officials said the money earned from these apps was routed through several channels and later used to buy luxury cars and other costly assets, as reported by NDTV.
---Advertisement---
ED probe and wider investigation
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Investigators claim Dwivedi tried to show assets bought with illegal money as legitimate. His residence in Unnao was searched to identify and seize such properties. Officials also said Dwivedi promoted betting and gambling apps on his YouTube channel, encouraging many users to join these platforms and helping the illegal business grow.
---Advertisement---
The central agency is now trying to identify others linked to the network, calculate the total illegal income, and trace where the money was invested. More asset seizures and action against other accused are expected.
Illegal earnings to buy property abroad
Separately, West Bengal Police conducted searches in Siliguri and named more accused, including Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj. They allegedly used mule bank accounts, Telegram channels and other digital platforms to run online betting operations.
Investigators further alleged that Dwivedi actively created promotional content for illegal betting apps and received payments through hawala operators, mule accounts and cash middlemen. Large amounts of money were allegedly moved through the accounts of his companies and family members without valid reasons. He is also accused of using illegal earnings to buy properties abroad, especially in Dubai.