Sonu Sood appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on September 24, 2025, for questioning in a money laundering case linked to the 1xBet online betting app. The actor reached the ED’s central Delhi office around noon. Investigators recorded his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED has already questioned several high-profile figures, including cricketers Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Robin Uthappa, and Yuvraj Singh. Former Trinamool Congress MP and actor Mimi Chakraborty, Bengali actor Ankush Hazra, and several female social media influencers have also appeared before the agency. Officials said more sportspersons, actors, and influencers may face questioning soon.
The agency is investigating how these personalities promoted the betting app, whether they knew online betting is banned in India, and the details of payments they received. They have sought copies of contracts, emails, and other relevant documents. Investigators also want to know whether payments were routed through hawala or banking channels and whether they came from India or abroad.
The ED’s probe forms part of a wider crackdown after the government banned real money online gaming. Officials allege the app duped crores of rupees from users and evaded taxes. They may attach assets of individuals found using alleged proceeds of crime.
The 1xBet platform, registered in Curacao, allows bets in 70 languages on thousands of sporting events. Market experts estimate the Indian online betting market was worth over $100 billion before the ban.
