Here’s why ED summoned former India all-rounder Suresh Raina

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Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday as part of a money laundering investigation connected to illegal online betting platform 1XBet. The agency is recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to determine whether his alleged endorsements for the platform played a role in attracting users to the unlawful betting network.

The ED’s summons to Raina stems from suspicions that he may have been associated with 1XBet through promotional activities, despite the platform being banned in India. Authorities believe that endorsements by public figures not only boost visibility for such apps but also lend them credibility in the eyes of potential users. According to investigators, 1XBet has been operating in violation of multiple laws and government directives, making it a key target in the agency’s crackdown on online betting.

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The summons to Raina is part of a broader campaign by the ED to dismantle betting-linked money laundering networks. In 2024, the agency attached assets worth ₹337 crore in cases related to betting on Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. By questioning celebrities and influencers, the ED aims to establish whether promotional ties to illegal betting platforms constitute a link in the laundering chain.

Notably, data indicates that illegal betting has reached alarming levels in India. Around 22 crore people are estimated to use betting apps, with nearly half being regular participants. In the first three months of 2025 alone, such platforms reportedly recorded over 1.6 billion visits. The market is valued at approximately $100 million, while tax evasion linked to these operations is estimated at ₹27,000 crore annually. Officials have warned that the proliferation of these apps poses significant economic and legal challenges.

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