New Delhi. In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized ₹417 crore in the Mahadev online betting case in Chhattisgarh. Central agency officials gave this information on Friday. The Enforcement Directorate revealed that a massive search operation was conducted against the money laundering network linked to Mahadev App in cities like Kolkata, Bhopal and Mumbai, which resulted in the seizure of substantial evidence.
According to the ED, the company founded by Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, which allegedly operated from Dubai, was involved in providing online betting facilities through a sophisticated network. This network was allegedly employed to register new users, create user IDs, and conduct financial transactions through anonymous bank accounts. “We have also seized/seized proceeds of crime amounting to ₹417 crore,” the agency claimed.
Officials further revealed that investigation revealed that Mahadev Online Book App operated from a central headquarters in the UAE. The ED said the company operates its “panels/branches” under the franchise model with a profit-sharing ratio of 70-30 for known associates. The huge sums earned through speculation are later transferred to foreign accounts through large-scale hawala operations.
BJP targets CM Bhupesh Baghel
Targeting Bhupesh Baghel, it was written on BJP’s Twitter, “Bhupesh ji, what is your connection with the founders of Mahadev Satta App? Why have you not arrested him yet?”
Bhupesh ji, what is your connection with the founders of Mahadev Satta App?
Why haven’t they arrested him yet? pic.twitter.com/DtbmgNIvRZ
— BJP Chhattisgarh (@BJP4CGState) September 7, 2023
It is reported that substantial funds are being allocated for advertising of online betting websites in India to attract new users and franchisees (panels). The promoters of the company are from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, and Mahadev Online Book Betting Application acts as a major syndicate facilitating illegal betting websites on an online platform. This operation has prompted the Enforcement Directorate to take comprehensive action against this network.
This significant seizure by the Enforcement Directorate highlights the widespread nature of illegal online betting activities across various Indian cities. The seizure of ₹417 crore underlines the extent of financial transactions involved in this illegal enterprise. The Mahadev campaign against online betting is a stern warning to entities involved in such activities, sending a clear message that the authorities are committed to curbing illegal betting networks. ED’s unwavering determination to combat money laundering and illegal betting is evident in this decisive action against Mahadev online betting network.