ED conducted search in Indore in connection with Illegal Online Betting case

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has conducted search operations at various locations in Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Hubballi (Karnataka) and Mumbai (Maharashtra) in connection with the case of Illegal Online Betting on 27/10/2023.

The ED launched an inquiry based on a FIR filed by the Madhya Pradesh Police in connection with an unlawful online betting case.

An ED investigation revealed that unlawful Online Betting Apps such as Dhangames and other Satta Matka Apps were being used to entice naïve people in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and other regions of the country.

The app allowed users to register with their cellphone number, send money to their Dhangames wallet using UPI, and then gamble. Illegal money generated by these Satta Matka Apps was laundered through a web of phoney bank accounts formed in the names of dummy people by Lokesh Verma by exploiting their KYC documents to run the betting operations.

The revenues of crime generated by betting operations in Benami bank accounts were laundered and used to purchase real estate.

During the search operations various incriminating documents, digital devices and unaccounted cash of Rs. 46.5 lakh were found and seized.

More research is being conducted.