Mahadev Betting App Kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar Extradited from Oman in ₹6,000-Crore Money Laundering Probe
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Sourabh Chandrakar, the fugitive promoter behind the multi-billion-rupee Mahadev Online Book illegal betting syndicate, has been brought back to India from Oman following a coordinated international extradition process.
A special team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) travelled to Muscat to escort Chandrakar back to the country after Omani authorities approved his extradition. He is scheduled to be produced before a CBI Special Court in Raipur on Monday.
Extradition Follows International Detention
Chandrakar’s return marks a critical breakthrough in the extensive financial fraud investigation spearheaded by Indian law enforcement agencies. Operating under an Interpol Red Corner Notice issued against him, Chandrakar was previously detained by the Royal Oman Police.
The accused faces severe legal action across multiple jurisdictions, being wanted in two separate CBI cases—where chargesheets have already been formally submitted—as well as an Enforcement Directorate (ED) money laundering investigation involving a staggering estimated value of ₹6,000 crore.
Anatomy of an Illegal Betting Empire
According to federal investigators, the Mahadev Online Book network operated as one of the country's largest illicit web-based gambling syndicates. Built through a widespread franchise model of panels and branches, the platform offered unauthorized wagering on cricket matches, football games, and card games.
Probes revealed that the syndicate channeled massive illicit proceeds through a complex web of mule bank accounts, layered transactions, and hawala networks to move funds overseas. Investigators have also alleged that portions of the illegal profits were funneled as protection money to various public servants to shield the operation from law enforcement interference.
Following his arrival, Chandrakar will undergo mandatory medical evaluations before being moved to Raipur under a transit remand to face judicial proceedings.
