Breaking News: YouTuber's Luxury Dubai Cruise Wedding Sparks ED Money Laundering Probe
A lavish destination wedding held in Dubai by a prominent Indian YouTuber, Anurag Dwivedi, has come under the intense scrutiny of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Dwivedi, known as a self-styled cricket influencer with millions of followers, is already facing serious money laundering allegations linked to illegal online betting platforms. The extravagant celebrations, estimated to have cost millions of rupees, took place aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth-II cruise, raising further questions about the source of his wealth.
Who is Anurag Dwivedi? The Cricket Influencer Under Investigation
Anurag Dwivedi, originally from Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, has cultivated a significant online presence, presenting himself as the "face of fantasy cricket" to his over 2.3 million subscribers. Despite often highlighting his middle-class background, Dwivedi's lifestyle and recent wedding have drawn significant public and official attention. The ED's investigation into his alleged involvement with illegal betting platforms began about three years ago, leading to various enforcement actions.
The Extravagant Dubai Wedding: A Closer Look
On November 25, Dwivedi tied the knot with Tamanna in a grand ceremony in Dubai, following a 12-year relationship. The wedding was far from ordinary:
- Guest List: Over 130 guests were flown from India to Dubai for the event.
- All-Expenses-Paid Trip: Dwivedi reportedly covered all costs for his guests, including flights (on five different planes), visas, luxury hotel stays, meals, and sightseeing tours.
- Passport Assistance: Sources indicate that Dwivedi even arranged passports for guests who didn't possess one.
- Estimated Costs: The travel and accommodation alone for each guest is believed to have cost between Rs 90,000 to Rs 1 lakh, totaling over Rs 1.3 crore for these aspects.
- Luxury Amenities: Guests enjoyed stays in more than 25 upscale hotel rooms, dedicated transportation, and visits to famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Creek.
- Cruise Festivities: The wedding celebration on the cruise's open deck featured live musical performances by a well-known Bollywood playback singer and actor.
These details have intensified the focus on Dwivedi, especially given the ongoing money laundering cases against him.
ED's Ongoing Probe and Asset Seizures
The Enforcement Directorate's investigation into Dwivedi's financial dealings has been extensive. Authorities have conducted multiple searches in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. As part of their probe, the ED has:
- Frozen Bank Accounts: Several bank accounts linked to Dwivedi have been frozen.
- Seized Cash: Significant amounts of cash have been confiscated.
- Impounded Luxury Vehicles: High-end cars, including a Lamborghini and a Mercedes, were seized from his Unnao residence.
- Estimated Assets: The total value of assets linked to Dwivedi is estimated to be around Rs 20 crore.
Dwivedi himself has been issued multiple summons by the ED but has reportedly failed to appear. He is believed to be currently residing in Dubai. The agency has, however, made progress by arresting three individuals alleged to be his associates in connection with the case.
Allegations: Betting Promotion and Hawala Channels
The ED's inquiry has revealed that Dwivedi allegedly played a key role in promoting illegal online betting platforms. Furthermore, it is suspected that he funneled a significant portion of the money obtained from these activities into real estate investments in Dubai, utilizing illicit hawala channels for these transactions. This latest development in the money laundering investigation highlights the complex web of financial crimes associated with the case.
