The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) Kolkata Zonal Office has intensified its crackdown on illegal online betting networks, carrying out coordinated searches across five major Indian cities and seizing high-value assets allegedly linked to social media influencer and YouTuber Anurag Dwivedi.
According to an official press statement, the ED conducted search operations on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, covering nine locations in Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Lucknow, and Varanasi. The searches were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Luxury Vehicles and Digital Evidence Seized
During the latest round of searches, ED officials seized two luxury vehicles — a Land Rover Defender and a BMW Z4— registered in the name of Dwivedi. In addition, several incriminating documents, electronic gadgets, and digital storage devices were recovered, which the agency says are crucial to establishing the money trail linked to the alleged betting operations.
Follow-Up to Earlier December Raids
The action follows earlier searches conducted on December 17, 2025, when the ED raided 10 premises in Lucknow, Unnao, and Delhi associated with Dwivedi and other accused persons. Those operations resulted in the seizure of four high-end vehicles, including a Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes, Ford Endeavour, and Mahindra Thar, along with approximately ₹20 lakh in cash and additional digital and documentary evidence.
Hawala Transactions and Dubai Properties Under Scanner
The ED stated that material recovered during the December searches revealed evidence of large-scale real estate investments in Dubai, allegedly funded through hawala channels. Based on these findings, the agency froze movable assets worth nearly ₹3 crore, comprising insurance policies, fixed deposits, and bank balances, by invoking Section 17(1A) of the PMLA, 2002.
Origin of the Case
The money laundering probe originates from an FIR registered by the West Bengal Police concerning illegal online betting activities. Investigations revealed that Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj, named as key accused, allegedly operated an online betting panel from Siliguri, using mule bank accounts and digital payment platforms to launder proceeds of crime.
Role of the Influencer
According to the ED, Anurag Dwivedi played an active role in promoting illegal betting platforms through social media and digital channels, thereby facilitating the generation and laundering of illicit funds. The agency claims that Dwivedi received proceeds of crime via hawala networks and mule accounts, which were subsequently used to acquire overseas assets, particularly in Dubai.
The ED further noted that Dwivedi has left India and is currently residing in Dubai, and has failed to comply with multiple summons issued during the course of the investigation.
Arrests and Prosecution
Earlier in the probe, the ED arrested three individuals connected to the betting and money laundering network. A prosecution complaint was filed before the Special Court (PMLA), Kolkata, on August 1, 2025.
To date, the agency has frozen or attached movable assets worth approximately ₹27 crore in the case.
Probe Continues
The ED has stated that the investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to trace the movement of illicit funds across multiple jurisdictions, examine digital evidence, and identify additional beneficiaries and facilitators involved in the alleged illegal betting ecosystem.
