ED Attaches ₹11.14 Crore in Assets of Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan in 1xBet Probe

ED has seized assets of Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan worth ₹11.14 crore in the 1xBet money-laundering case involving illegal betting networks and offshore payments.

New Delhi | November 6, 2025

The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth ₹11.14 crore belonging to former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan as part of its money-laundering investigation linked to the illegal betting platform 1xBet. The action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act after the agency tracked financial transactions connected to surrogate betting companies operating in India without approval.

According to officials, mutual fund investments worth about ₹6.64 crore in Suresh Raina’s name and immovable property valued at around ₹4.5 crore belonging to Shikhar Dhawan have been provisionally seized. Investigators say both players had promotional or endorsement agreements with entities tied to 1xBet and that payments were allegedly routed through foreign intermediaries to mask their origin.

The ED claims the betting network operated through more than 6,000 mule accounts and several payment gateways with weak KYC checks. The money trail uncovered so far is estimated to be above ₹1,000 crore, suggesting a large, structured network that facilitated illegal online betting across the country.

According to the investigation, 1xBet and its surrogate brands — such as 1xBat and 1xBat Sporting Lines — promoted themselves through high-profile advertising and celebrity associations despite being banned by several government advisories. Officials believe endorsements from well-known athletes helped the platform reach a wider audience, which is now part of the probe.

Both Raina and Dhawan have been asked to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide all documentation related to their contracts, payments and communication with the companies involved. Their lawyers have indicated that they will comply with ED requirements. The attachment of assets is a precautionary measure intended to secure potential proceeds of crime while the inquiry continues.

This development has triggered a fresh debate about celebrity involvement in betting-linked promotions and the accountability of public personalities in financial and commercial partnerships. The case is expected to expand further as the ED examines additional contracts, offshore entities and payment structures connected to the betting network.

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