Online Gambling: Chhattisgarh Men Accused of Amassing Rs 5,000 Crores
Vivek Agrawal
Mumbai, October 5, 2023
On August 23, 2022, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) made four arrests connected to the Mahadev online betting case. This case revolves around the main promoters, based in Dubai, who are suspected to have amassed a staggering sum of up to Rs 5,000 crores.
M/s Mahadev Book was found to operate multiple websites that facilitated illegal gambling and betting activities.
According to sources within the ED, the racket involves individuals with high-ranking connections to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Adding to Chhattisgarh’s Woes: Coal Levy and Liquor Sale Scandals
This development follows closely on the heels of two significant scandals that have shaken the state of Chhattisgarh.
One pertains to a coal levy case valued at approximately Rs 540 crores, while the other involves a liquor sale scam allegedly worth Rs 2,161 crores.
Diverse Range of Illegal Betting Offerings
Mahadev Online Book, according to the ED, offers a wide array of online platforms for illegal betting, encompassing live games such as poker, card games, games of chance, cricket, badminton, tennis, football, and even opportunities to wager on various Indian elections. Additionally, it provides users the option to engage in several card games, including ‘Teen Patti,’ poker, ‘Dragon Tiger,’ virtual cricket games, and more.
Operational Methodology
As per the ED’s findings, M/s Mahadev Book operates various websites and manages closed groups on messaging apps.
They attract individuals by advertising contact numbers on their websites, encouraging people to participate for profit.
These contact numbers are specifically designated for communication via WhatsApp.
Upon establishing contact, users are furnished with two distinct contact numbers.
One number is dedicated to depositing money and accumulating points in the User IDs employed for placing bets.
The other number serves as a means to communicate with the website for redeeming the accumulated points in the designated IDs.
Freedom Sale: Avenues for Betting
User IDs are typically created on websites like laser247.com, laserbook247.com, betbhai.com, betbook247.com, tigerexch247.com, and cricketbet9.com, selected based on the bettors’ requirements and preferences.
Operations via Panel/Branch Owners
Financial transactions, the creation of User IDs, the distribution of ID credentials to customers, and the disbursement of earned funds are all orchestrated by panel/branch owners.
Players are required to deposit funds into online benami accounts and are subsequently allocated panels by the head office located in Dubai.
Payouts are facilitated through benami bank accounts, often fraudulently opened or utilized on a commission basis.
Crucially, all the games are manipulated in a manner that ensures panel owners, on the whole, do not suffer financial losses.
Despite initial user profits, players are invariably poised to incur losses in the end.
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