The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached 20 immovable assets, including 18 properties located in Dubai, UAE, amidst its ongoing investigation into the Mahadev online betting app. The newly attached assets feature several flats in the Burj Khalifa—recognized as the tallest building globally. In addition, luxury villas and apartments in Dubai Hills Estate and numerous high-end residential units in Business Bay and the SLS Hotel & Residences luxury tower have also been included in the recent actions taken by the agency.

Significant Financial Value of Properties Established

These properties, located in both Dubai and New Delhi, are estimated to be worth approximately Rs 1,700 crore. They are believed to belong to individuals and organizations associated with Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the primary figures behind the Mahadev betting app. According to officials, the investigation has uncovered that these assets were obtained using proceeds from crimes associated with unlawful online betting activities under the Mahadev Online Book platform and other associated operations.

Background of the Mahadev App Case

The Mahadev app, which has been labeled illegal, was promoted by Sourabh Chandrakar and his partner Ravi Uppal, both originating from Chhattisgarh. India is in the process of seeking their extradition. Chandrakar’s last known location was in the UAE, while Uppal is suspected to have escaped to Vanuatu from the Gulf region.

Complex Network of Illegal Operations Revealed

The money laundering investigation led by the ED has unveiled that the Mahadev platform operated through a convoluted network comprising promoters, panel operators, and agents, making illegal betting accessible via digital platforms. The scheme was organized through a franchise model consisting of panels and branches managed by associates across India. According to ED officials, the promoters retained around 70-75% of the profits from the betting panels, while the remaining funds were shared among the panel operators overseeing these betting activities.

Legal Proceedings and Arrests in the Case

Several high-profile politicians and bureaucrats from Chhattisgarh have been implicated in this case. The ED has conducted searches at over 175 locations throughout India in relation to this ongoing investigation. Thirteen individuals have been arrested, and 74 others have been designated as accused in five prosecution complaints filed before a special court in Raipur, marking significant progress in the case.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share