New Delhi: Former Indian cricket stars Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh have been questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with their alleged involvement in promoting illegal betting applications. The case pertains to the promotion of betting platforms that are suspected to have violated India’s Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED is currently investigating a wide network of illegal online betting apps, some of which are suspected to be linked to money laundering operations and foreign funding routes. These platforms allegedly allowed users to place bets on cricket matches and other games, violating Indian gambling and financial laws.
Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh were among several celebrities reportedly hired to promote or endorse these platforms via advertisements or social media. Sources indicate that both players were summoned to explain their association and clarify the nature of their contracts and payments received.
According to ED officials:
The players were asked if they were aware that the apps they promoted were involved in illegal operations.
They were questioned about the payment modes, contracts signed, and whether due diligence was conducted before associating with the platforms.
The ED is also looking into whether endorsement fees were routed through legitimate channels and properly disclosed.
Sources close to the investigation said that both Yuvraj and Harbhajan cooperated with the agency, responding to the summons earlier this month. There is no indication of criminal charges against them at this stage, and they are being treated as witnesses or individuals of interest.
This questioning is part of a broader crackdown on digital betting operations, which have flourished in recent years, especially during cricket seasons and IPL matches. The ED has been tracking links between such apps and potential money laundering via shell companies and crypto transactions.
Several other celebrities and social media influencers are expected to be summoned for questioning in the coming weeks.
India does not have a central law specifically regulating online betting, but under the Public Gambling Act, 1867 and various state laws, many forms of online gambling and betting are deemed illegal. Promotions of such platforms can potentially lead to charges under the Information Technology Act, PMLA, and even under Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) norms.
The ED is reportedly examining the financial records and contracts of the celebrities involved to determine whether there were any deliberate violations. A decision on further legal proceedings will be taken based on the findings.
