CBI Arrests Key Accused in Mahadev App Betting Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Abhishek Kumar, a key figure in the Mahadev online betting and gambling case, after his deportation from the UAE. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claims the illegal operations have generated and laundered over ₹94,000 crore.

What Happened

Abhishek Kumar, identified as a key accused in the Mahadev online betting and gambling case, was arrested by the CBI on Thursday, September 24, 2026, upon his arrival at Hyderabad airport from Dubai. Kumar had been deported from the UAE, according to the Times of India.

The CBI spokesperson stated that Kumar was responsible for coordinating various panels within the Mahadev network. His role included collecting funds and acquiring immovable assets in Dubai using illicit proceeds. He has since been transported to Raipur and presented before a special court for police remand (Times of India).

Key Details

• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges that perpetrators in the Mahadev case have generated and laundered over ₹94,000 crore through illegal activities (Times of India).
• Kumar is reportedly closely associated with the main accused, Saurabh Chandrakar and Shubham Soni, who continue to operate the gambling network from the UAE and other jurisdictions (Times of India).
• The Mahadev online betting and gambling app remains operational, with the ED estimating an annual generation of over ₹11,000 crore from illegal online gambling and betting activities in recent years (The HinduBusinessLine).
• The ED’s latest chargesheet indicates that more than ₹1,000 crore has been invested into Indian share markets via foreign portfolio investments (FPIs) from the proceeds of crime (The HinduBusinessLine).
• The ED has provisionally estimated that the Mahadev online book’s illegal operations have generated approximately ₹11,400 crore in proceeds of crime annually, based on analyzed digital evidence and accused statements (The HinduBusinessLine).
• In addition to the Mahadev app, other affiliated illegal applications such as Skyexchange.com and Lotus365.com have generated over ₹14,000 crore in proceeds (The HinduBusinessLine).
• The majority of these proceeds were layered and transferred to promoters based in Dubai, as stated by the ED (The HinduBusinessLine).
• The ED has attached assets valued at over ₹2,000 crore linked to various accused, noting that this is a provisional figure likely to increase (The HinduBusinessLine).
• Seven Red Corner Notices and two extradition requests are pending against other individuals accused in the case (Times of India).

Why It Matters

This arrest highlights ongoing international efforts to combat large-scale illegal online betting and money laundering operations. The substantial sums involved, reportedly exceeding ₹94,000 crore, underscore the financial scale of such illicit networks and their potential impact on regulated markets and financial integrity. The reported investment of over ₹1,000 crore into Indian share markets through FPIs also raises concerns about the penetration of illicit funds into legitimate financial systems. The continued operation of the Mahadev app despite enforcement actions suggests persistent challenges in curtailing such activities across jurisdictions.

What’s Next

Abhishek Kumar has been produced before a special court in Raipur for police remand following his arrest. Investigations are ongoing, with seven Red Corner Notices and two extradition requests still pending against other accused individuals involved in the Mahadev network (Times of India).

Originally reported by Times of India·Published 24 Sep 2026, 22:13