According to executives aware of the development, Vivo Mobiles has temporarily ceased airing advertisements featuring brand ambassador Virat Kohli on television and social media platforms while the Chinese mobile phone maker is being investigated by investigative agencies on money laundering charges.

“Planned advertising and promotion activities involving Kohli have been paused until there is clarity on the direction of the investigation,” one of the executives said. Another executive stated that Kohli’s team was also concerned about the former Indian cricket captain appearing in Vivo advertisements for the time being. “It’s also to shield Virat from criticism,” he explained. The executives did not want to be identified.

An email sent to Vivo India went unanswered as of press time. Queries sent to Cornerstone Sport, the talent management firm that manages Kohli’s portfolio, were also unanswered.