Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for approximately eight hours on Thursday in connection with a money laundering case linked to an illegal betting app. Dhawan arrived at the ED office in central Delhi around 11 AM and left after 7 PM following a lengthy interrogation.
Sports News: Former Indian cricket team opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan has come under a major investigation. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned him for questioning in a money laundering case linked to the illegal online betting app ‘13Bet’. On Thursday, Dhawan was called to the ED office in Delhi, where he was questioned for about eight hours.
Interrogation of Shikhar Dhawan lasted from 11 AM to 7 PM
Sources indicate that Shikhar Dhawan arrived at the ED office around 11 AM and departed after 7 PM. During this period, officials attempted to understand his connection with the app through alleged advertising and promotional activities. It is believed that Dhawan did not directly participate in any form of betting but was only associated through advertisements.
Previously, former cricketer Suresh Raina was also questioned by the ED in the same case. The investigating agency states that several illegal betting platforms, including ‘13Bet’, are involved in the manipulation of crores of rupees, tax evasion, and money laundering in India.
What is the 13Bet App?
‘13Bet’ is an online betting and casino platform headquartered in Cyprus. It facilitates betting on sports such as cricket, football, tennis, basketball, and e-sports. Additionally, it offers options like Aviator games and casino slots. The platform's services are primarily operated through Telegram channels.
The company was previously known for sponsoring football teams in Spain and France. However, due to financial irregularities, countries like Britain, the US, Russia, Spain, and France have banned its services. Online betting is a rapidly growing sector in India. Experts estimate that there are around 220 million users of such apps in the country, with about half of them being regular active users.
The estimated market size is over $100 billion and is growing at a rate of 30% annually. The government has recently taken strict measures to tackle this problem. Under new laws, online gaming and betting platforms involving money have been banned. Despite this, many foreign companies remain indirectly active in India.
