ED Seizes Cricketers’ Assets in Betting App Money Laundering Probe
In a major development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth Rs 11.14 crore belonging to former Indian cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan in connection with a money laundering case linked to the illegal betting app Mahadev Online Book. The investigation has sparked widespread attention, raising questions about celebrity involvement in financial crimes.
Key Details of the ED’s Action
The ED, India’s top financial crime-fighting agency, has been investigating the Mahadev betting app case, which allegedly facilitated illegal gambling and laundered money through shell companies. Sources reveal that the attached assets include:
– A luxury apartment in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi (jointly owned by Raina and Dhawan)
– High-end vehicles and bank deposits
While neither cricketer has been formally charged, the ED suspects their financial ties to entities connected with the betting syndicate. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) empowers the agency to provisionally seize assets suspected of being acquired through illegal means.
How the Betting App Scandal Unfolded
The Mahadev Online Book app, reportedly operated from Dubai, is accused of running a massive illegal betting network in India, particularly targeting cricket matches. The ED alleges that the app’s promoters laundered thousands of crores through fake transactions and shell companies.
Raina and Dhawan’s names emerged after investigators traced suspicious transactions between their business ventures and betting-linked entities. While neither player is accused of placing bets, the ED is probing whether they received payments for endorsements or partnerships with the app’s operators.
Cricketers Deny Wrongdoing
Both Raina and Dhawan have publicly denied involvement.
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Suresh Raina (2011 World Cup winner & ex-CSK star) stated on social media:
“I conduct all business dealings legally and transparently. I’m cooperating with authorities and trust the truth will prevail.”
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Shikhar Dhawan’s legal team released a statement:
“The allegations are false. I have no connection to illegal activities, and my finances are open for verification.”
Cricket and Betting Scandals: A Recurring Issue
This case follows a history of betting controversies in cricket, including:
– The 2000 match-fixing scandal (Hansie Cronje)
– The 2013 IPL spot-fixing case
The ED’s action highlights growing concerns over celebrities (athletes, actors, influencers) endorsing or associating with potentially illegal platforms. Legal experts suggest stricter endorsement regulations may follow.
What Happens Next?
- The ED may summon Raina and Dhawan for questioning.
- If evidence links them directly, they could face PMLA charges, which carry severe penalties.
- The BCCI is monitoring the situation but awaits due process before taking action.
This case underscores the dark intersection of sports, fame, and financial crime. As the investigation continues, fans and experts alike await clarity on the cricketers’ involvement.
Stay updated with the latest developments on this unfolding story.
