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Logo of the Executive Directorate.
NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday said it had seized Rs 46.5 million in cash of “unaccounted use” after conducting raids in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra as part of a probe into some illegal gambling apps. did.
The search began on Friday and covered locations in Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Hubballi (Karnataka) and Mumbai.
The ED case stems from an FIR lodged by the Madhya Pradesh Police against operating an illegal online betting application, the central agency said in a statement.
In Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and other parts of the country, illegal online gambling apps such as Dangames and other ‘satta matka’ (gambling) apps were allegedly being operated with the aim of luring the unsuspecting public. .
These apps allowed users to register via their mobile number and transfer money to their Dhangames wallet via UPI to indulge in betting.
The ED said the illegal funds generated through these apps are being laundered through a web of fake bank accounts opened by a person named Lokesh Verma under a dummy name, misusing identity documents for carrying out gambling operations. claimed to have been done.
“Criminal proceeds generated from gambling activities in benami bank accounts were laundered and used to purchase real estate,” it said.
During the investigation, incriminating documents, digital devices and 46.5 million rupees in unspecified cash were seized, the statement said.