Sandeepa Virk Arrested By Enforcement Directorate For Alleged Money Laundering Activities

Updated: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 23:31 [IST]

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has detained Sandeepa Virk, a social media influencer with 1.2 million Instagram followers and the founder of HybooCare, a beauty brand. This arrest is linked to an alleged money laundering case. Virk was apprehended on August 12 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. A court has ordered her to remain in ED custody until August 14.

On August 12 and 13, the ED conducted simultaneous raids in Delhi and Mumbai as part of their investigation into Virk and her associates. The agency alleges that they misled individuals by soliciting funds under false pretences. During these operations, incriminating documents were seized, and statements from key individuals associated with Virk were recorded.

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained social media influencer Sandeepa Virk, founder of HybooCare, on August 12 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, alleging she misled individuals and laundered funds through the website *hyboocare.com*.ED investigations, including raids in Delhi and Mumbai, revealed connections to Angarai Natarajan Sethuraman and allegations of financial misconduct involving loan violations.

Allegations Against HybooCare

The investigation stems from an FIR filed by the Punjab Police. The ED claims that Virk acquired property through deceptive means. She allegedly operated *hyboocare.com*, a site claiming to sell FDA-approved beauty products, which the ED asserts were "non-existent." The website reportedly had issues like lack of user registration, payment gateway problems, low social media engagement, inactive WhatsApp contact, and no clear organisational details.

An ED spokesperson stated that these signs indicated the website was primarily used for laundering funds. The agency also alleges that Virk maintained regular contact with Angarai Natarajan Sethuraman, a former director at the now-defunct Reliance Capital.

Financial Misconduct Allegations

Searches at Sethuraman's residence revealed links to "illegal liaison work" and fund diversion for personal gain. The ED claims Rs 18 crore was disbursed in violation of lending norms and a Rs 22 crore home loan was issued without proper procedures. They allege large portions of these loans were siphoned off and remain unpaid.

Sethuraman has denied these allegations, asserting that the home loan followed due process with adequate collateral. He maintains he has "no connection or involvement" with Virk or her activities.