Mallika Sherawat questioned in probe against 'Pakistani-owned' betting site

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recorded the statements of actor Mallika Sherawat and TV actor Pooja Banerjee in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the betting website Magicwin, according to reports by Indian media.

The portal, allegedly owned by Pakistani nationals, is accused of illegally broadcasting Men’s T20 World Cup matches, official sources said on Wednesday.

Sherawat submitted her statement last week via email and an authorised representative to the ED's Ahmedabad office. Banerjee, known for her role in the TV series Kasautii Zindagii Kay, appeared before the investigating officer and gave her statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Sources indicated the actors participated in promotional activities for Magicwin but are not accused in the case. The ED plans to summon additional celebrities for questioning, reports claimed.

Magicwin, according to investigators, operates as a betting website disguised as a gaming portal but is primarily run by Indian nationals based in Dubai. The platform's betting games, originally conducted in countries like the Philippines, are allegedly rebroadcast on Magicwin using copied APIs.

The ED has alleged that funds deposited by users were funnelled through layers of shell companies and converted into crypto assets or transferred to Dubai via hawala channels. "The profits from these betting websites exceed 50% of total deposits," the agency stated.

A "launch party" for Magicwin, attended by Bollywood celebrities who endorsed the portal, is also under scrutiny. Promotions included social media posts, video shoots, and outdoor advertisements across Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The money laundering case stems from an FIR registered by Ahmedabad Police’s cybercrime unit. Further investigations into the financial network and promotional endorsements are ongoing.