The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently issued summons to a slew of Bollywood actors and celebrities for questioning in connection with the Mahadev betting scam case. The Mahadev Satta App, at the centre of the controversy, is an online platform enabling users to place bets on a wide range of games and events.

What is Mahadev Gaming App?

The Mahadev Gaming app is an online betting platform where users can engage in live gambling across various games, including poker, card games, badminton, tennis, football, and cricket.

Additionally, it offers an array of card games, such as Teen Patti and Poker, along with virtual cricket games. Operating through a network of closed groups on various instant messaging platforms, this enterprise reportedly rakes in an astounding Rs 200 crore daily.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor summoned by ED in Mahadev online betting app case

The modus operandi

The perpetrators lured individuals by posting contact numbers on websites, enticing them to participate and profit. These contact numbers are accessible primarily via platforms like WhatsApp.

When users reach out to these numbers, they receive two distinct contact numbers. One facilitates money deposits and points for user IDs used in betting, while the other connects to the website for cashing out points from the assigned IDs.

Who owns Mahadev Gaming App?

The ownership of the company lies with Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, who allegedly provided online avenues for illegal betting on live games, including cricket, tennis, badminton, poker, and card games.

Their illicit operation has been active for the past four years. Chandrakar and Uppal hail from Bhilai in Chhattisgarh and the Mahadev online book betting application is linked to a syndicate that facilitates online platforms for unlawful betting websites.

Chandrakar’s company is suspected to have amassed approximately Rs 5,000 crore through this scam. Furthermore, the owners of the Mahadev online betting app are alleged to have ties to Pakistan and connections with local businessmen and hawala operations.

Also Read: After Ranbir Kapoor, ED summons Kapil Sharma, Hina Khan over betting app case

How Mahadav came under ED radar?

The ED initiated an investigation into 28-year-old Sourabh Chandrakar following his lavish Rs 250 crore wedding in the UAE. This event led investigators to uncover alleged hawala operations and connections in the UAE and Pakistan.

The ED has consolidated at least seven FIRs filed by victims who lost their money to the scam, with FIRs spanning locations such as Goa, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Ahmedabad, and Chhattisgarh.

Approximately eight major international hawala operators are now under scrutiny for their involvement in money laundering to Middle Eastern countries and Pakistan through a similar portal.

Chandrakar and his associates purportedly employed at least 70 shell companies to launder funds into offshore accounts. The anti-money laundering agency is currently exploring avenues to collaborate with international agencies in order to pursue legal action against the app owner, who is presently in the UAE.

Also Read: Mahadev gambling app kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar spent Rs 200 crore on lavish UAE wedding: ED

How did celebrities get involved?

Bollywood stars who attended or performed at Chandrakar’s wedding earlier this year and at the company’s success party last year are now under ED scrutiny. Those summoned by the ED so far include Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Huma Qureshi, Kapil Sharma, Boman Irani and Hina Khan. Reports suggest that around 14-15 other celebrities could well be under the scanner.

Media reports suggest that these stars may have accepted substantial sums of cash as payment for their participation or performances at these events. This money is considered the proceeds of the crime, rendering the stars potentially liable for receiving it.

The ED has already conducted raids on several premises linked to hawala operators across various Indian cities, resulting in the attachment of Rs 417 crore. In a recent Mumbai raid, the ED also identified seven hawala kingpins allegedly involved in money laundering.