On December 17, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided several locations connected to popular YouTuber and social media influencer Anurag Dwivedi. The agency is investigating claims that he promoted illegal online betting platforms. The searches took place in Lucknow, Unnao, and Delhi, covering 10 sites, including Dwivedi’s home in Nawabganj, Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh.
During the operation, the ED seized several high-end luxury vehicles reportedly worth crores of rupees. These included cars from premium brands such as Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. According to officials, all the seized vehicles were transported to the ED’s Lucknow Zonal Office for further examination and legal proceedings.
Allegations of Promoting Illegal Betting Platforms
In an official statement shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Enforcement Directorate stated that its investigation revealed Anurag Dwivedi had allegedly played an active role in promoting illegal online betting applications. The agency claims that Dwivedi created and circulated promotional videos on YouTube and other social media platforms, encouraging viewers to participate in betting activities on unauthorised platforms.
According to the ED, the income generated from these promotions was routed through illegal hawala channels and deposited into fake or mule bank accounts. Mule accounts are bank accounts opened in the names of individuals who do not control them, while the actual transactions are carried out by others in exchange for commission. The agency alleges that these accounts were used to launder money earned from illegal betting operations.
Suspicious Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
The ED stated its probe centers on large, unexplained deposits in the accounts of Dwivedi, his companies, and his family members, suggesting assets beyond reported income and prompting deeper scrutiny of his wealth’s origins.
Investigators are also examining how money was collected from the public. According to the ED, individuals were contacted through Telegram channels and WhatsApp groups, where they were persuaded to participate in online betting. Funds were then transferred into mule accounts, which were later linked to the larger betting network.
Dubai Connection Raises Further Questions
One of the most significant aspects of the investigation is Dwivedi’s alleged connection to Dubai. ED sources claim that the agency had issued multiple summons to him in the past, but he failed to appear for questioning. Officials suspect that Dwivedi has purchased several immovable properties in Dubai and may have been residing there for extended periods.
His lavish wedding on a luxury cruise in Dubai, which went viral on social media, has also drawn the attention of investigators. The ED is now scrutinising the source of funds used for foreign properties, overseas investments, and high-profile events, as part of its efforts to trace potential proceeds of crime.
Anurag Dwivedi Responds
Amid intense media coverage, Anurag Dwivedi addressed the issue on December 19 through a post on X. He expressed frustration over what he described as speculative reporting, stating that the media seemed to have gathered more information about him in two days than he himself knew. He alleged that baseless figures and unrelated names were being linked to him without factual backing.
Background and Rise as a Content Creator
Anurag Dwivedi, 26, hails from Nawabganj tehsil in Unnao district. Born in 1999, he began creating YouTube content in 2017, gradually gaining popularity by producing videos related to fantasy cricket. In 2019, he became associated with fantasy sports platforms, working as a content creator and promoter.
Today, Dwivedi commands a massive online following, with around 7 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 2.4 million followers on Instagram, making him one of the most influential fantasy sports content creators in India.
Link to Earlier Betting Racket Case
The current action is an extension of a broader investigation. In a press note issued on June 5, 2025, the ED had announced the busting of an online betting racket operating from Siliguri, leading to arrests and the freezing of 1,130 mule accounts containing nearly ₹10 crore. Officials later revealed that several social media influencers were involved in promoting illegal betting platforms in exchange for hefty payments.
As the investigation progressed, Anurag Dwivedi’s name emerged as a key figure in the alleged network.
Investigation Ongoing
The Enforcement Directorate has announced its ongoing probe aims to uncover all individuals involved in the illegal betting network, focusing on verifying the sources of income, transactions, and overseas assets linked to Dwivedi. No conclusions have been drawn yet; further action hinges on investigation outcomes.
