9 months ago
WinZO Directors Arrested for Money Laundering Allegations
Two directors of a game company called WinZO were arrested and sent to custody for 10 days.
The government agency, ED, says they used a secret trick in games to cheat players and make a lot of money.
The directors say they did nothing wrong and cooperated with the investigation.
The court decided they should be in custody to help find out more about the money and how it was used.
They will be treated well and can talk to their lawyers.
The money was sent to a company in the USA, which is controlled from India.
Two directors of WinZO Games were arrested and granted 10-day custody by a Bengaluru court.
The ED alleges the directors used a hidden algorithm named 'PPP' to manipulate game outcomes and launder money.
The ED claims proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 177 crore and USD 55 million in foreign accounts.
The defense argues the arrest was illegal and custodial interrogation is unnecessary.
The court granted 10-day custody with conditions for humane treatment and legal consultation.
- Who
- Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda, directors of WinZO Games Private Limited
- What
- Arrested and granted 10-day custody by a Bengaluru court for money laundering allegations
- Where
- Bengaluru court
- When
- Arrested on Wednesday, custody granted on Thursday until December 6
- Why
- Allegations of using a concealed algorithm to manipulate game outcomes and launder money
Key facts
- Accused Directors
- Saumya Singh Rathore and Paavan Nanda
- Alleged Algorithm
- PPP
- Alleged Proceeds of Crime
- Rs 177 crore (May 2024 - August 2025)
- Foreign Accounts
- USD 55 million (approx. Rs 489.90 crore)
- Custody Duration
- 10 days (until December 6)
- Case Filed
- November 6
- Complaint Amount
- Rs 42 lakh
- Shell Company
- WINZO US Inc
Timeline
Eight arrested for online betting via Taj0077 app.
Investigations widen to other gaming firms, including WinZO Games.
Winbuzz app bust leads to WinZO Games probe.
ED probes crypto cheating, money laundering in online games.
WinZO Games directors arrested, sent to 10-day ED custody.
Quotes
Enforcement Directorate
Federal probe agency in India
“The funds worth $55 million (Rs 489.90 crore) have been parked in their (promoters) bank account in the US (bank accounts held in the name of 'WINZO US Inc'), which is a shell company, since all the operations and day-to-day business activities, operation of bank accounts is done from India.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
WinZO promoters used ‘deceptive’ algorithm to cheat gamers: ED
WinZO promoters used 'deceptive' algorithm to cheat gamers: Enforcement Directorate
WinZO promoters used 'deceptive' algorithm to cheat gamers: ED
WinZO promoters used 'deceptive' algorithm to cheat gamers: ED
ED Arrests WinZO Founders Over Alleged Fraud, Hidden Gaming Algorithm And Offshore Money Transfer
