New Delhi, August 13(HS): Former Indian cricket star Suresh Raina on Wednesday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the national capital for questioning in connection with a high-profile money laundering investigation tied to an alleged illegal online betting platform, 1xBet.

According to official sources, the 38-year-old ex-India batsman was summoned under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The agency is recording his statement as part of an ongoing probe into the betting syndicate’s financial network.

Investigators believe Raina’s name surfaced after evidence suggested his possible association with the betting app through advertising and promotional campaigns. While no direct charges have been made against him, the ED is seeking clarity on whether such endorsements knowingly or unknowingly aided the app’s operations in India, where online betting on sports is largely prohibited.

The 1xBet case is part of a wider federal crackdown on illegal betting platforms accused of funnelling vast sums through hawala routes, shell companies, and offshore accounts — activities suspected to be linked to organised crime and tax evasion.

Raina, a celebrated member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad, has largely stayed away from professional cricket since his retirement in 2022, focusing on commentary, coaching, and brand endorsements. His appearance before the ED underscores the agencies’ growing focus on celebrity endorsements of suspect platforms and the possible legal liabilities that could arise from them.

Officials indicated that further summons could follow if discrepancies emerge in Raina’s testimony. The ED’s investigation is expected to map the full money trail, from digital betting transactions to laundering channels, in one of India’s most significant illegal online gambling probes to date.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar