ED Conducts Searches Against YouTuber Anurag Dwivedi In Illegal Betting & PMLA Case.

Headnote:

The Directorate of Enforcement conducted extensive multi-city search operations against YouTuber and social media influencer Anurag Dwivedi in connection with illegal online betting and gambling activities. The investigation revealed his active role in promoting illegal betting platforms, receipt of proceeds of crime through hawala and mule accounts, and acquisition of overseas properties using such proceeds. High-value movable assets were seized and frozen, and further investigation is ongoing.

Background:

• ED initiated investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the West Bengal Police against individuals involved in illegal online betting operations.

• The investigation revealed that an online betting panel was operated from Siliguri by accused persons Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj, using mule bank accounts, Telegram channels and other digital platforms.

• During the probe, the role of Anurag Dwivedi, a YouTuber and social media influencer, emerged in promoting and facilitating illegal betting activities.

Search Operations & Seizures

• ED conducted searches at 10 premises located in Lucknow, Unnao and Delhi linked to Anurag Dwivedi.

• Four high-end vehicles were seized, including a Lamborghini Urus (starting price exceeding ₹4 crore), Mercedes, Ford Endeavour and Thar.

• Cash amounting to approximately ₹20 lakh, incriminating documents and digital devices were seized.

• Movable assets worth approximately ₹3 crore, including insurance policies, fixed deposits and bank account balances, were frozen under PMLA, 2002.

• Seized documents revealed details of real estate investments in Dubai, allegedly made through hawala channels.

ED’s Findings:

• Anurag Dwivedi played an active and significant role in promoting illegal online betting platforms by creating and circulating promotional videos.

• He influenced the public at large to participate in betting activities on illegal platforms.

• He received Proceeds of Crime (POC) through hawala channels and mule accounts.

• Large sums were credited to bank accounts of his companies and family members without any legitimate commercial justification.

Overseas Assets & Non-Cooperation

• ED found that Anurag Dwivedi acquired immovable properties outside India, particularly in Dubai, using proceeds generated from illegal betting activities.

• It was further revealed that he has left India and is currently residing in Dubai.

• Despite issuance of multiple summons, he has failed to appear before ED.

Earlier Action by ED

• ED had earlier arrested three persons in the case.

• A Prosecution Complaint was filed before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Kolkata on 01 August 2025.

• Movable assets worth ₹23.7 crore were earlier frozen/attached in the case.

Status

• Further investigation is under progress.