13 hrs ago
ED Alleges Mahadev Betting App Generated Rs 94,400 Crore
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating an online betting network called Mahadev Online Book.
It told a court that the network may have earned a very large amount of illegal money.
The agency says the main app is still working through websites hosted outside India.
It also named related websites called Skyexchange.com and Lotus365.com.
People could use the network to bet on sports, games and some elections.
The agency believes some officials and politicians helped the operation or ignored it for money.
So far, 14 people have been arrested in the investigation.
The ED has also searched many places and taken control of assets worth Rs 2,104 crore.
The Enforcement Directorate told a Raipur court that the Mahadev betting app and related websites allegedly generated Rs 94,400 crore in proceeds of crime.
The agency said Mahadev Online Book remains operational and runs a large number of betting panels through websites hosted abroad.
The ED estimated Mahadev’s proceeds at Rs 75,000–80,000 crore since 2019, while Skyexchange.com and Lotus365.com allegedly generated additional amounts.
The agency alleged that local police, politicians, bureaucrats and politically exposed persons supported the operation or accepted illegal gratification.
The investigation has led to 14 arrests, searches at 190 premises and the seizure or attachment of assets worth Rs 2,104 crore.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate named 42 individuals and companies in its latest complaint and has arrested 14 people so far.
- What
- The ED alleges that the Mahadev betting network generated Rs 94,400 crore in proceeds of crime and remains operational.
- Where
- The case is before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, while searches took place nationwide.
- When
- The ED filed its criminal case in October 2022; it estimates major Mahadev operations since 2019 and says Skyexchange.com operated since 2016.
- Why
- The agency alleges the network operated illegal betting websites and that proceeds were generated through betting on games, sports and elections.
Key facts
- Alleged total proceeds
- Rs 94,400 crore over approximately 10 years, according to the ED’s provisional estimate.
- Mahadev estimate
- Rs 75,000–80,000 crore allegedly generated during the seven years since 2019.
- Related websites
- Skyexchange.com allegedly generated Rs 11,000–12,000 crore; Lotus365.com allegedly generated about Rs 2,400 crore.
- Latest prosecution complaint
- The sixth PMLA charge sheet names 42 individuals and companies.
- Arrests
- The ED says 14 people have been arrested so far.
- Searches and assets
- The agency searched 190 premises and seized or attached assets worth Rs 2,104 crore.
- Important qualification
- The ED described its proceeds-of-crime figures as provisional and subject to revision if further evidence emerges.
Quotes
Enforcement Directorate
India’s financial crime investigation agency that filed the prosecution complaint
“As per the latest findings of the investigation under PMLA, 2002, it is found that Mahadev Online Booking Application is still in operations and running huge number of panels”
deccanchronicle.com
“only a provisional estimate and in case any evidence which reflect a better estimate comes on to surface, the same shall be presented before the Hon'ble court”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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