Influencer Sandeepa Virk Arrested as ED Cracks the Whip on Fake ‘FDA-Approved’ Beauty Products Portal

Sandeepa Virk, a social media star with over 1.2 million Instagram followers, has recently been arrested by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED), accused of orchestrating a high-stakes money-laundering scam under the guise of a beauty products brand—HybooCare. What seemed like another influencer success story has now taken a dramatic turn, drawing legal scrutiny and public attention. Here’s everything you need to know about how the story unfolded and what lies ahead.

The Backstory: From Stardom to Suspicion

Sandeepa Virk made a name for herself in the world of glamour by experimenting with modelling and acting. She appeared in the Punjabi movie Gun & Goal and even had little roles in Malayalam and Kannada films. She gradually made the switch to Instagram, where she amassed a sizable following thanks to her lifestyle photos, cosmetic advice, and business endorsements.

As part of building her brand, she launched HybooCare, an online portal marketed as selling FDA-approved beauty products. But the Enforcement Directorate now says that was just a smokescreen for something far more sinister.

How It All Went Down

• In August 2025, the Punjab Police filed an FIR (First Information Report) in Mohali accusing her of cheating (Section 420 IPC) and criminal breach of trust (Section 406 IPC). This triggered a full-blown ED investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.Over two intense days—August 12 and 13—ED teams conducted coordinated raids across Delhi and Mumbai at her and her associates’ premises.
• The ED alleges that HybooCare offered non-existent products and used false FDA claims. The website reportedly lacked basic functionality like user registration, had recurring payment gateway issues, minimal social engagement, an inactive WhatsApp number, inflated pricing, and no transparent company details—signs of a sham operation meant to funnel illicit funds.
• On August 12, Sandeepa Virk was arrested, brought before a judge, and placed under ED detention until August 14.

A High-Profile Connection

The investigation also spotlighted Sandeepa Virk’s alleged ties with Angarai Natarajan Sethuraman, a former director at the now-defunct Reliance Capital Limited. During searches at his residence, ED officials found evidence suggesting illegal liaisoning and potential fund diversion for personal use.

According to ED:

• Sethuraman received over ₹18 crore from Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd (RCFL) in 2018 despite questionable lending practices, including deferred principal, several waivers, and inadequate due diligence.
• In addition, a ₹22 crore home loan was approved under questionable terms. Much of these funds are suspected to have been siphoned off and remain unpaid.

Sethuraman has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless”, claiming proper due process and security for the loans, and disavowing any connection with Sandeepa Virk.

Ramifications and What Comes Next

This case raises serious red flags about influencer-driven business ventures and how social media clout can cloak unlawful operations.

• The ED’s case suggests that some influencers might weaponize their large followings to lend credibility to fraudulent schemes.
• Real estate transactions have come under ED’s gaze—Sandeepa Virk reportedly acquired immovable properties via misrepresentation.
• With incriminating documents seized and statements recorded from key associates (like Farrukh Ali), investigators are digging deeper to uncover whether others were involved.

As the probe unfolds, we may learn more about the financial network behind HybooCare and the extent of the alleged fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who is Sandeepa Virk?
A popular Instagram influencer (over 1.2M followers), she began as an actor and cosmetologist, promoted beauty tips and products, and founded HybooCare—a skincare website claiming to sell FDA-approved products.

Q2: Why was Sandeepa Virk arrested?
ED arrested her on August 12, under the PMLA, based on allegations of money laundering via a fake beauty portal and misleading people through misrepresentation.

Q3: What was wrong with HybooCare?
According to ED, products were fake or non-existent, the site lacked core features, social engagement was minimal, and it pushed false claims like FDA approval. These indicated it was a front for laundering money.

Q4: What’s her link to Reliance Capital?
ED alleges she was in contact with former Reliance Capital director Sethuraman, who reportedly obtained ₹18 crore and ₹22 crore home loan via improper means. These funds are suspected to have been diverted—possibly involving Sandeepa Virk.

Q5: Have these allegations been denied?
Yes. Sethuraman has dismissed all allegations, claiming due process was followed and that he has no involvement with Virk. He also maintains the loans were properly secured.

Q6: What’s the current status of the case?
As of August 14, 2025, Sandeepa Virk is still in ED custody, and investigations are ongoing—with document seizures, interrogations, and potential widening of scope to include additional suspects.

Disclaimer

This blog post (Sandeepa Virk is arrested by ED) is based on media reports and publicly available sources as of mid-August 2025. It does not constitute legal advice or claim legal accuracy. The case is ongoing, and all allegations remain to be proven in a court of law. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources or legal experts for updates or personal concerns.