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Anurag Dwivedi is under the scanner of the ED, accused of laundering crores of rupees through illegal betting networks, overseas investments. He has denied all allegations
YouTuber Anurag Dwivedi’s assets are under ED scanner. (Image: X/@vannumeena0)
A gold chain allegedly stolen from his uncle’s house helped Unnao’s Anurag Dwivedi buy his first smartphone, a device that would later propel him into the world of YouTube fame, fantasy gaming apps, and staggering wealth. Then came the luxury cars, offshore investments, and a five-day wedding aboard a Dubai cruise.
Years later, Dwivedi now finds himself under the scanner of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), accused of laundering crores of rupees through illegal betting networks and overseas investments. Dwivedi, currently in Dubai, has denied all allegations.
ED searches
According to the ED, the searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following specific intelligence inputs on illegal online betting operations. ED teams simultaneously raided 10 premises linked to Dwivedi across Unnao, Lucknow, and Delhi, covering residential properties, offices, and locations connected to his associates. Officials said multiple bank accounts linked to Dwivedi and his entities were frozen, holding approximately Rs 3 crore. During the searches, Rs 20 lakh in unaccounted cash was recovered from his residence, while four high-end luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini valued at around Rs 4.18 crore, were seized. Investigators also examined documents and digital devices related to suspected hawala transactions and overseas fund transfers.
The agency said it has found preliminary evidence suggesting that proceeds generated through illegal betting platforms were routed out of India and invested in real estate assets in Dubai. ED sources said further custodial questioning and forensic examination of financial records are likely as the probe progresses.
A digital turn
Dwivedi’s formal education never followed a steady path. Locals and family members say he studied till Class 8 at City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow. He was enrolled in Class 9 but stopped attending school. Subsequent admissions at Adarsh Vidya Mandir and later JP Convent School in Unnao also ended similarly. By the time board examinations were due, the family realised he had effectively dropped out.
His father, Laxminath Dwivedi, who runs a medical store in Nawabganj, says the family remained unaware of Anurag’s online presence for years. “When he was young, he stole a gold chain from his uncle and sold it to buy a mobile phone,” Laxminath said. “Later, someone told us he was already famous on YouTube, with thousands of followers. That was when we realised what he was doing.”
That phone, villagers say, marked the beginning of Anurag’s immersion into online gaming, fantasy sports apps, and social media content creation. Over time, he built teams linked to betting and gaming platforms, attracting followers and money at a pace that surprised even those close to him.
Wealth behind walls in Khajur village
Khajur village, around 27 kilometres from Unnao district headquarters, is a small settlement with barely 20-25 houses, most belonging to Dalit families. Against this backdrop, Dwivedi’s residence stands out sharply. Spread over nearly three bighas, the property is surrounded by 10-foot-high boundary walls topped with glass, a towering iron gate, and CCTV cameras.
During the ED raids, no one from the household spoke to the media. People inside the compound reportedly said Anurag was not present and refused to comment.
Some villagers allege intimidation. A woman living nearby accused the family of encroaching on her land. “They have money and influence. Complaints don’t go anywhere,” she claimed. Others, however, prefer silence, fearing scrutiny. “If we speak, agencies might call us for questioning,” said a local youth off camera.
Cars, crores, and competing narratives
Dwivedi insists all his earnings came from registered companies and legal platforms. He has claimed that earlier raids conducted during the IPL season also yielded nothing, and alleged that his name was wrongly linked to a Kolkata-based betting case.
He is particularly upset about the seizure of his vehicles, detailing his automobile purchases over the years — starting with a Maruti Dzire in February 2019, followed by a BMW, Ford Endeavour, Mercedes-Benz, Mahindra Thar, BMW Z4, Land Rover Defender, and finally a Lamborghini. Financial pressure last year, he says, forced him to sell some vehicles after he exited a sports media firm.
Both Dwivedo and his father claim he is among the highest income tax payers in Unnao. “He has paid around Rs 5 crore in tax over the last three years,” Laxminath said. Anurag claims the amount is even higher, citing tax paid through relatives’ PAN cards in earlier arrangements.
The Dubai wedding that drew attention
Public curiosity peaked with Dwivedi’s wedding on November 21, 2025. The venue was the Queen Elizabeth 2, a luxury cruise hotel docked in Dubai. Around 100 guests were flown in from India, with passports arranged for those who did not already have one. The celebrations stretched over five days, with accommodation, food, and sightseeing fully sponsored.
In Nawabganj, shopkeepers still recall the scale of the event. “People said entire flights were booked,” said Kanhaiya Lala, a fruit seller near the family’s medical store. Guests returned with videos showcasing opulence rarely associated with the region.
Anurag’s father believes the wedding triggered complaints. “So much display creates resentment,” he said. “I warned him against excessive show.”
December 21, 2025, 14:50 IST
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