COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON LAWS EVERY YOUTUBERS or INFLUENCERS SHOULD KNOW
ED Seizes YouTuber’s Luxury Cars in Online Betting Case: How Influencers Risk Jail by Promoting Illegal Platforms
Anurag Dwivedi accused of promoting betting apps; ED links him to money laundering network
Experts warn influencers face criminal charges for endorsing banned products under Indian law
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 06, 2026:
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its crackdown on illegal online betting networks by seizing two luxury cars—a Land Rover Defender and a BMW Z4—belonging to YouTuber Anurag Dwivedi. The seizures were made during raids across Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Lucknow, and Varanasi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
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Dwivedi, a popular social media influencer, is accused of promoting online betting platforms, generating huge proceeds of crime, and laundering money through hawala channels and fake bank accounts. The case has sparked debate about how influencers are monetizing their reach by endorsing banned or illegal products, and what the law says about such activities.
Crux of Allegations Against Anurag Dwivedi
- Promotion of Betting Apps: Dwivedi allegedly promoted illegal betting platforms through his YouTube and social media channels.
- Money Laundering: ED claims he laundered proceeds of crime via hawala and fake accounts.
- Luxury Lifestyle: Proceeds were allegedly invested in luxury cars and properties, including real estate in Dubai.
- Seizures: ED seized cars, documents, and digital devices during raids on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
How YouTubers Earn from Illegal Promotions
Influencers and YouTubers often earn money by:
- Paid Promotions: Betting apps and gambling platforms pay influencers to promote their services.
- Affiliate Links: Influencers earn commissions when followers sign up using their referral codes.
- Brand Partnerships: Illegal platforms offer lucrative deals to influencers with large audiences.
This can generate huge sums of money, often far more than legitimate advertising, making it tempting for influencers to take risks despite legal prohibitions.
What the Law Says
- Public Gambling Act, 1867: Prohibits running or promoting gambling houses. Online betting falls under this ambit in most states.
- Information Technology Act, 2000: Allows the government to block websites and apps promoting illegal betting.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Influencers endorsing illegal products can be held liable for misleading advertisements.
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002: Promoting and profiting from illegal betting can lead to charges of money laundering.
- Penalties:
- Jail terms up to 7 years under PMLA.
- Heavy fines for promoting banned products.
- Seizure of assets purchased with proceeds of crime.
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Actions Influencers Can Face
- Asset Seizure: As seen in Dwivedi’s case, luxury cars and properties can be confiscated.
- Criminal Charges: Influencers can be booked under PMLA, Gambling Act, and IT Act.
- Ban from Platforms: YouTube and Instagram may suspend accounts promoting illegal activities.
- Reputational Damage: Loss of credibility and brand partnerships.
Expert Opinions
- Legal Experts: Stress that influencers cannot claim ignorance; promoting banned products is a criminal offense.
- Industry Analysts: Warn that the lure of quick money is leading many influencers into legal trouble.
- Policy Commentators: Call for stricter monitoring of influencer marketing to prevent misuse.
Broader Implications
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- For Influencers: The case is a wake-up call to avoid illegal endorsements.
- For Youth: Many young followers are misled into gambling, risking financial ruin.
- For Regulators: Highlights the need for stronger digital monitoring and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The ED’s action against Anurag Dwivedi underscores the growing risks influencers face when promoting banned or illegal products like online betting apps. While such promotions may bring quick money, the legal consequences are severe ranging from asset seizures to jail terms.
This case serves as a reminder that digital fame does not place influencers above the law, and ethical responsibility must guide online promotions.
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