Online Gambling: ED Targets Gaming App Promoters; Australia Banned Entry

Vivek Agrawal

Mumbai, September 23, 2023

Promoters of the Mahadev Online Book gaming-betting app, Saurabh Chandrakar, and his associate Ravi Uppal, found themselves barred from entering Australia recently. They were compelled to return to Dubai, their base of operations, due to ongoing investigative actions by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The duo had embarked on a business trip to Australia when this incident unfolded.

Travel Restrictions Imposed Unofficially

While there are no formal red corner notices or extradition processes initiated against Chandrakar and Uppal, Indian agencies have reportedly employed unofficial channels to limit their travel. Government authorities plan to await the submission of ED’s initial chargesheet next month, targeting four arrested individuals, before considering legal action against the wanted accused.

Money Laundering Case Surrounding Mahadev Online Book

ED is actively investigating a money laundering case related to Mahadev Online Book, a platform operated by Chandrakar and Uppal, who originally hail from Chhattisgarh but now reside in Dubai. The ED’s inquiry uncovered substantial earnings, amounting to several thousand crores, generated through the illicit operation of gaming-betting apps over the past few years. Recent actions by the ED have prompted key industry players in India to relocate their operations to Dubai, as per insider information.

ED’s Extraterritorial Reach and Non-Bailable Warrants

The ED has declared its pursuit of the case extends beyond Indian borders. A court in Raipur has issued non-bailable warrants against fugitive suspects, including Chandrakar and Uppal. Mahadev Online Book established Dubai as its operational headquarters while conducting its activities in India with the assistance of panel operators.

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