Who is Sandeepa Virk? From films and Instagram fame to ED custody

Sandeepa Virk, once known for her glamorous presence in films and on social media, is now in the spotlight for very different reasons.

The 32-year-old influencer, who has over 1.2 million followers on Instagram, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case. She is also the founder of ‘HybooCare’, a beauty products brand that claims to sell FDA-approved cosmetics.

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The ED took Virk into custody on August 12 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. A court has sent her to the agency’s custody until August 14. The arrest came after a series of coordinated raids in Delhi and Mumbai on August 12 and 13.

Officials say the case stems from an FIR registered by the Punjab Police, and the investigation has uncovered serious allegations.

From films to social media fame

Born and raised in Delhi, Sandeepa Virk made her mark in modelling before stepping into films. She first appeared in the Punjabi movie ‘Gun & Goal’ and later worked in a Malayalam film. She even had a brief presence in the Kannada film industry.

 

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However, when film offers slowed down, Virk turned her focus to social media.

Her Instagram page quickly became popular for beauty tips, lifestyle posts, and brand promotions. She launched ‘HybooCare.com’, an online store said to offer FDA-approved beauty products.

What the ED alleges

According to the ED, ‘HybooCare’ was more of a cover than a real business. They claim the website had no proper user registration system, constant payment gateway glitches, low engagement on social media, and even an inactive WhatsApp contact.

The site also lacked clear details about the company’s team or operations, raising suspicions that it was being used as a front to move illicit money.

Officials allege that Virk and her associates misled people by making false promises and asking for money under fraudulent pretences. The money, they say, was then used to buy property and fund a lavish lifestyle.

The high-profile connection

The investigation has also revealed links between Sandeepa Virk and Angarai Natarajan Sethuraman, a former director of the now-defunct Reliance Capital. ED claims that searches at his residence uncovered evidence of “illegal liaison work” and diversion of funds.

Officials allege that Sethuraman approved loans worth crores of rupees in violation of rules, Rs 18 crore in one case and a Rs 22 crore home loan in another, without proper checks. A large portion of these funds, they say, was siphoned off and never repaid.

The ED believes that Virk benefited from these questionable transactions.

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