ED Questions Neha Sharma in Betting-App Money Laundering Investigation

Bollywood actress Neha Sharma appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday in connection with a major money laundering investigation linked to a popular online betting application. The ED is examining whether promotional campaigns conducted by celebrities for the platform played a role in channeling funds that may be linked to illegal betting proceeds.

Why Neha Sharma Was Summoned

According to reports, the ED summoned Sharma after discovering that she had participated in promotional activities for a betting platform that is under scrutiny for allegedly operating illegally in India. Investigators are reviewing:

• The nature of her promotional contracts with the app
• Payments made to her, including mode and source of funds
• Whether payments were routed through intermediary agencies or foreign accounts
• Possible links between app operators and suspected laundering networks

ED officials are specifically analysing whether layered financial transactions were used to disguise proceeds of crime, including funds generated through illegal betting activities.

Betting App Under Wider ED Lens

The case is part of a larger crackdown on betting platforms believed to be based outside India but targeting Indian users. These platforms allegedly collect large sums via wallets, UPI handles, and cryptocurrency channels— later routing the money to offshore entities.

As part of this investigation, the ED has issued summons to:

• Robin Uthappa (cricketer)
• Yuvraj Singh (cricketer)
• Sonu Sood (actor)
• Several influencers and regional artists

The agency recently arrested the betting platform’s founders for allegedly laundering crores of rupees through a network of shell companies.

Money Trail: ED Tracing High-Value Payments

Investigators are tracking financial flows, including payments to celebrities, to determine whether the app’s operational revenue came from illegal betting pools. In one related development, ED unearthed ₹331 crore in a bike rider’s bank account—funds believed to be linked to the same ecosystem of illegal betting channels.

Sources suggest that payments made to actors and sportspersons may have been structured to appear legitimate while masking their unlawful origin.

Sharma Cooperating With Investigation

Reports indicate that Neha Sharma has cooperated fully with the ED, providing documents and statements regarding her engagements with the app. Her team maintains that all deals were made through standard industry channels and declared income-tax compliant.

Wider Implications for Celebrity Advertising

The ED’s investigation has reignited debate around celebrity endorsements for betting platforms—many of which operate from foreign jurisdictions while targeting Indian audiences through social media.

• Questions are being raised around due diligence obligations for celebrities
• Regulatory agencies are calling for tighter advertisement compliance frameworks
• The government may consider stricter rules for foreign gambling and betting promotions

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