Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina appeared before the Enforcement Directorate ( ED ) on Wednesday in connection with a money laundering case linked to the illegal betting platform 1xBet. The 38-year-old was seen entering the ED office early in the morning, following a summons issued by the agency.
Sources said the ED is questioning Raina about his possible association with the betting app, particularly through promotional or endorsement activities. The agency will record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Earlier this week, popular actor Rana Daggubati also appeared before the ED in Hyderabad. He had received a summons for July 23 but requested a new date due to work commitments. The questioning relates to alleged online promotion of illegal betting games. The ED’s inquiry is part of a broader investigation into celebrities and influencers who may have helped promote gambling apps that violate Indian law.FIR Filed Against 25 Celebrities
In January 2025, the Telangana Police registered an FIR against 25 celebrities and social media influencers. The complaint, filed by businessman PM Phanindra Sarma on March 19, accused stars like Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Vijay Deverakonda, and Manchu Lakshmi of promoting illegal gambling apps.
The FIR was filed at the Miyapur Police Station under multiple sections of the Telangana Gaming Act and Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which deals with cheating and identity theft.
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The Enforcement Directorate continues to investigate how illegal betting apps like 1xBet have operated in India. Officials allege that these platforms have duped thousands and caused massive tax losses. The agency is now focusing on celebrity endorsements and financial links.
The probe is ongoing, and more big names may come under the scanner in the coming weeks.
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