Former Cricketer Suresh Raina To Appear Before ED In Illegal Betting App Money Laundering Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina to appear for questioning in a money laundering investigation related to an illegal betting app called 1xBet.
Raina is expected to present himself before the federal probe agency on Wednesday, where his statements will likely be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The 38-year-old former all-rounder, who played as a middle-order batsman and part-time spinner for India, has been called to depose on August 13 regarding his alleged involvement with the betting app 1xBet, according to a report by news agency PTI.
Sources suggest that Raina’s connection to the app arises from certain endorsements. ED officials are set to probe the nature of his association with the app during the questioning.
The agency is investigating several cases involving illegal betting apps, which are alleged to have cheated numerous people and investors of crores of rupees and evaded substantial tax payments.
In related developments, Tollywood actor Rana Daggubati was questioned by the ED for almost four hours on Monday about his alleged promotion of illegal betting apps. He left the ED’s regional office at Basheerbagh, Hyderabad, around 3 pm, as per a report by The News Minute.
Last week, actor Vijay Deverakonda also appeared before the ED in connection with endorsements related to illegal betting platforms. After his questioning, he told the media that he was not involved in any wrongdoing and clarified that gaming apps and illegal betting apps are different. He further maintained that the apps he endorses are “completely legal” and government-licensed.
Suresh Raina is renowned for his aggressive batting and useful off-spin bowling. Born on November 27, 1986, in Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Raina made his international debut in 2005 and soon became a crucial middle-order batsman for India across all formats.
He has played over 200 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 78 Test matches, celebrated for his quick scoring and sharp fielding.
Raina was a vital part of the Indian squad that won the ICC World Twenty20 in 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. He also had a significant impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings, becoming one of the tournament’s leading run-scorers
