Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Kolkata Zonal Office has conducted search operations on 31.12.2025 and 01.01.2026 at 09 locations in Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Lucknow and Varanasi in connection with an illegal online betting and gambling case under the provisions of Prevention of Money-Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. These premises are linked to Social Media Influencer & Youtuber Anurag Dwivedi, and various online gaming and betting applications suspected to be involved in the generation and laundering of Proceeds of Crime (POC). During the searches, two high-end cars Land Rover Defender, BMW Z4 belonging to Anurag Dwivedi have been seized/frozen under provisions of PMLA, 2002. Further, a number of incriminating documents and digital devices have also been seized.

Earlier, on 17.12.2025, the ED conducted searches at 10 premises in Lucknow, Unnao and Delhi linked to Anurag Dwivedi, a YouTuber and social media influencer. During the searches, four high-end vehicles Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes, Ford Endeavour and Thar along with incriminating documents, digital devices and cash of approximately Rs. 20 Lakh were seized. The seized material revealed real estate investments in Dubai through hawala channels, and movable assets worth approximately Rs. 3 Crore in the form of insurance policies, fixed deposits and bank balances were frozen under Section 17(1A) of PMLA, 2002.

ED initiated investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the West Bengal Police in connection with illegal online betting operations. It was revealed that an online betting panel was being operated from Siliguri by accused persons Sonu Kumar Thakur and Vishal Bhardwaj using mule bank accounts and digital platforms. ED investigation further established that Anurag Dwivedi actively promoted illegal betting platforms, received POC through hawala channels and mule accounts, and acquired immovable properties in Dubai out of such proceeds. It was also found that he has left India and is presently residing in Dubai and has failed to appear before the ED despite issuance of multiple summons.

Earlier in the same case, the ED had arrested three persons and filed a Prosecution Complaint before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Kolkata on 01.08.2025. The ED had also frozen/attached movable assets worth Rs. 27 Crore (approx.) in the instant case.

Further investigation is under progress.