The BRICS TimesThe Enforcement Directorate suspects a link to the 1XBET betting network, alleging that illicit funds were routed through a ‘mule’ account to conceal the original source, potentially funding a VIP wedding.
Ordinary Driver, Extraordinary Transactions
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating a money laundering case. This case is tied to the illegal 1XBET betting app. A recent disclosure shocked ED officials during this probe. A regular Rapido bike driver’s account saw a massive turnover. Between August 19, 2024, and April 16, 2025, over 331.36 crore was deposited and then transferred. The driver was completely unaware of these massive transactions. The ED states this was a ‘mule’ or fake account. It was used to hide and circulate huge amounts of illicit money.
ED Uncovers Key Clues and VIP Wedding Link
The ED found another major piece of evidence in its investigation. This trail of crores leads directly to a high-profile wedding. About one crore rupees funded a luxurious wedding. The event was for Aditya Jula, a young political leader from Gujarat. It took place at Udaipur’s Taj Aravalli Resort. The funds were sent from the driver’s same fake account. Signatures on the resort contract paper were later found to be forged. Aditya Jula himself had submitted this contract to the resort. This clearly indicates both fake documents and a fake account were used. Their purpose was to hide the true cost of the wedding arrangements.
Driver Stunned by Revelation
The bike driver was called in for questioning by the ED. He was astonished to hear about the crores transacted under his name. He vehemently denied any connection to the wedding. He claimed no knowledge of the couple. He also did not know how the huge sums entered and left his account. The ED suspects his KYC details were either stolen. Alternatively, a syndicate tricked him into giving them access. They then operated a completely fictitious bank account in his name.
Complex Network to Hide Expenses
The probe also revealed multiple methods used to conceal wedding expenses. Aditya Jula reportedly gave his travel agent about 18 lakh in cash. Additionally, 17 different PAN numbers were used to adjust the wedding booking. The use of so many PAN numbers suggests a sophisticated network. This network was deliberately working to prevent expense tracking. The ED also established a link to the 1XBET betting network. Illegal money from the betting app went into the fake account. It was then moved through various routes and spent. This process ensured the original source remained hidden.
Suspecting a Larger Criminal Network
The ED suspects this wedding is not an isolated incident. Instead, it is a sign of a larger network. This network uses high-profile events and luxury functions. They use these events as a front to launder illicit funds. The use of ‘mule’ or fake accounts was previously limited to smaller frauds. However, the current investigation shows this trend is escalating. Now, even major events are being funded using these fake accounts. The ED has advised citizens to be cautious. Never share bank account details, ATM cards, or KYC documents. Sharing information with strangers can expose people. A small lapse can implicate them in crore-rupee money laundering rackets.
Akshay Didwaniya
