Bollywood Actor Sonu Sood Screened for Alleged Link to 1xBet Money Laundering Case

Actor Sonu Sood was questioned for seven hours by India’s Enforcement Directorate as part of a 1xBet money laundering caseImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Popular Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, 52, was reportedly questioned for seven hours on Wednesday by India’s Department of Revenue’s Enforcement Directorate (ED)in connection with the expanding 1xBet money laundering investigation.

Sonu Sood Questioned by Indian Police

According to reports, Sonu Sood and his legal team arrived at the ED office around noon and exited at 7 p.m., during which an officer interrogated the actor and documented his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).The Economic Timesreports that investigators believe the 1xBet case is connected to a racket involving the hawala money transfer system, with suspected ties to operations in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

Reports indicate that the investigation forms part of the ED’s broader crackdown on illegal online gambling platforms. Just last month, Indian lawmakers enacted a sweeping ban on online gambling. Several sources suggest that the ED is preparing to summon additional individuals, such as actors, cricketers, celebrities, and online influencers, for questioning in the days ahead.

Indian news outlets have not confirmed whether the renowned philanthropist and film producer has been formally charged. However, reports suggest that the ED’s investigation into the iGaming company was triggered after police grew suspicious of “a lavish reception” in the UAE, allegedly hosted by one of 1xBet’s founders.

Why Is ED Investigating Celebrities?

The investigation focuses on how 1xBet approached these individuals and the details of their contracts. Authorities are also examining the method and location of payments, whether routed through official banking systems or informal channels like hawala, and whether the individuals knew that promoting betting apps is illegal in India.

While recording statements from the cricketers and actors, the ED is reportedly questioning whether they were aware that online betting and gaming are illegal in India. They have also been asked to submit copies of their contracts, along with all related email and paper correspondence with 1xBet.

Authorities allege that 1xBet defrauded Indian users out of crores of rupees and is involved in large-scale tax evasion and money laundering. Prior to the government ban, estimates from market analysis firms and investigative agencies suggested that around 22 million Indianswere using various online betting apps, with nearly half identified as regular users.