The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown on suspected online gambling and financial irregularities in Uttar Pradesh’s Unnao district, carrying out coordinated raids at multiple locations linked to social media influencer and online gaming entrepreneur Anurag Dwivedi. The searches, conducted by a 16-member ED team with CRPF support, continued for several hours on Wednesday.
According to official sources, the investigation is focused on crores of rupees allegedly earned through online gaming platforms such as Dream11, aggressive social media promotions, and possible links to illegal betting and money laundering networks. Bank records, property documents, and digital devices were seized during the operation.
Multiple Locations Searched
The ED teams simultaneously reached Dwivedi’s ancestral home in Khajur village and the residence of his uncle in Nawabganj town. When the Nawabganj house was found locked, CRPF personnel secured the premises until Dwivedi’s mother was brought from the village to open it.
Sources said officials conducted an extensive room-by-room search, scrutinising financial paperwork, electronic storage devices, and transaction trails that could indicate undisclosed income or laundering of funds.
Dream11 Earnings Under Scanner
Investigators are examining whether Dwivedi’s earnings from Dream11-related activities were limited to legal fantasy sports participation or whether they crossed into illegal betting operations. Officials are also looking into his long-standing involvement in online gaming promotions, which reportedly span nearly seven years.
The ED is analysing how social media influence was used to attract large numbers of users, particularly young people, into online gaming schemes involving financial risk.
Dubai Cruise Wedding Raises Questions
Dwivedi recently drew public attention after hosting a lavish wedding on a luxury cruise in Dubai, attended by celebrities and guests flown in from India. The scale of the event and reports of extravagant spending reportedly triggered red flags, prompting central agencies to examine the source of funds used for foreign travel and celebrations.
Officials are also verifying his overseas financial transactions, foreign travel history, and possible international links.
Influencer Reach and Social Impact
Local residents claim Dwivedi gained popularity through YouTube and social media, where he encouraged followers to invest money in fantasy sports platforms. Allegations suggest he later sold pre-made teams, promising high returns.
While Dwivedi also engaged in visible social work—such as donating an ambulance and distributing blankets—concerns have grown over the financial losses suffered by young users influenced by such promotions.
Probe Likely to Widen
Anurag Dwivedi was not present during the raids and is believed to be abroad. The ED has not released an official statement yet, but sources indicate that the investigation may expand to include close associates, luxury asset purchases, and possible shell networks.
The agency is reportedly verifying the funding behind high-end vehicles allegedly linked to Dwivedi, as well as unexplained assets acquired over the past few years.
