ED Takes Influencer Sandeepa Virk Into Custody Under PMLA in Fraudulent Skincare Brand Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested social media influencer Sandeepa Virk, who has over 1.2 million Instagram followers, in connection with a money laundering probe.

She was taken into custody on 12 August 2025 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) and remanded to ED custody till 14 August.

Virk projected herself as the founder of HyBooCare, an online platform claiming to sell FDA-approved beauty and skincare products.

However, it has been alleged that the website was merely a facade, with no genuine products, inactive support lines, and non-functional payment systems. The ED contends that the platform was used as a front to channel illicit funds.

The money laundering case stems from an FIR filed by Punjab Police under Sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code. Based on this predicate offence, the ED launched its probe under the PMLA.

As per interrogative reports, Virk acquired immovable property through misrepresentation and had regular dealings with Angarai Natarajan Sethuraman, a former director of the now-defunct Reliance Capital.

Searches at his residence allegedly revealed evidence of fund diversion and irregular lending practices.

In 2018, loans worth over Rs. 40 crore were disbursed under questionable terms, including a Rs. 22 crore home loan that, according to ED, violated prudential norms.

Substantial portions of these loans remain unpaid, and the agency suspects the money was laundered through associates linked to Virk.

The ED also recorded statements of individuals connected with the transactions and seized documents it claims point to layering of funds.

Sethuraman has denied the allegations, stating that the loans were granted after due diligence and backed by collateral, and has rejected any association with Virk.