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ED Attaches Additional Assets in Mahadev Betting Case

The Enforcement Directorate has attached additional assets valued at ₹940.77 crore in the Mahadev Online Book illegal betting app case. This action brings the total value of assets attached, seized, or frozen in the money laundering investigation to approximately ₹3,800 crore.

What Happened

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has executed a provisional attachment order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), targeting additional assets worth ₹940.77 crore in the ongoing Mahadev Online Book illegal betting app case, according to The Economic Times. This latest action increases the total value of assets attached, seized, or frozen by the agency in connection with its money laundering investigation to approximately ₹3,800 crore.

The attachment specifically covers movable and immovable properties associated with Vikas Garg, members of his family, and entities reportedly owned or controlled by him, as stated by the agency. These newly attached assets include residential properties, land parcels, equity shares, and various other securities, according to The Economic Times.

Key Details

  • The Enforcement Directorate’s Raipur Zonal Office issued the latest provisional attachment order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), as reported by The Economic Times.
  • The attached assets include residential properties, land parcels, equity shares, and other securities, according to The Economic Times.
  • One alleged mastermind, Saurabh Chabdrakar, was apprehended earlier this year by the Royal Oman Police for reportedly using a forged Indonesian passport to enter Oman after departing the UAE, The Economic Times reported.
  • Indian authorities are working with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate the extradition process for Saurabh Chabdrakar, according to The Economic Times.
  • Saurabh Chabdrakar was previously held under house arrest by Dubai police but reportedly managed to escape, The Economic Times stated.

Why It Matters

The attachment of an additional ₹940.77 crore in assets highlights the continued enforcement efforts against illicit online betting operations in regulated markets. This action by the ED under the PMLA underscores a broader governmental focus on financial irregularities associated with illegal betting apps. The sustained investigation, which has accumulated nearly ₹3,800 crore in attached assets, reflects the regulatory commitment to disrupting large-scale money laundering schemes, according to The Economic Times. The focus on individuals like Vikas Garg and Saurabh Chabdrakar indicates an intent to target alleged key operators within these illicit enterprises.

What’s Next

Indian authorities, via the Ministry of External Affairs and in coordination with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), have initiated the extradition process for Saurabh Chabdrakar, according to The Economic Times.

Originally reported by The Economic TimesPublished

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