Film Star Mimi Chakraborty, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at its headquarters in New Delhi on Monday for questioning in connection with an ongoing money-laundering probe linked to an alleged illegal online betting platform, 1xBet.
The investigation by the financial probe agency centres on allegations of money laundering and tax evasion involving several illegal betting applications. Ms. Chakraborty's statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Sources within the ED indicated that the questioning focused on Actress Chakraborty's alleged links to the 1xBet app, specifically probing her involvement through promotional endorsements and financial transactions.The agency is seeking to clarify the nature of her association with the platform, the fees she may have received, and whether all applicable taxes were duly paid.
The move to summon the former MP is part of a broader crackdown by the ED on the nexus between illegal online betting operators and high-profile public figures who may have lent credibility to these platforms.
The summons to Mimi Chakraborty follows a series of high-profile interrogations in the same case. Former Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina were questioned earlier by the federal agency. Furthermore, Bollywood actor Urvashi Rautela has also been summoned by the ED and is scheduled to depose before the agency on Tuesday in connection with the same probe.
The ED is investigating multiple cases related to illegal betting apps, which are accused of defrauding numerous investors of crores of rupees and evading substantial taxes.The investigation has so far pointed to violations under the Information Technology Act, the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), and the PMLA.
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