Neha Sharma questioned by ED in money laundering case
What's the story
Bollywood actor Neha Sharma was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday as part of its ongoing investigation into a money laundering case linked to the illegal betting platform 1xBet. She arrived at the ED's Delhi office around 11:30am but did not speak to the media, as per CNBC TV18. This comes after other celebrities such as Mimi Chakraborty, Urvashi Rautela, and Sonu Sood were also questioned in connection with this case.
Investigation details
ED investigating celebrities' involvement with 1xBet
The ED is investigating whether these celebrities were paid or given perks by companies associated with 1xBet. They are also looking into whether any of them were approached by individuals accused of operating or promoting the betting platform. The agency suspects that the betting site was used to launder huge amounts of illegally earned money.
Ongoing investigation
Probe may involve more celebrities as investigation deepens
Officials said that more prominent actors and public figures may be called in for questioning as the investigation widens and new financial links come to light. The agency has found that nearly 220 million Indians use online betting apps, with a large portion of transactions allegedly funneled through illegal channels involving crores of rupees in suspected laundering.