ED raids eight locations in Kutch, Mumbai over ‘Fairplay’ betting app case
Updated: Oct 29th, 2024
ED Raids at Kutch, Mumbai |
A nationwide online betting syndicate has been uncovered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in raids conducted on Friday at eight locations in Mumbai, as well as in Kutch.
The raids were conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, against the ‘Fairplay’ betting app.
The ED froze funds amounting to ₹4 crore through properties, cash, and bank accounts. Moreover, several illegal documents, electronics, and property documents were recovered from the raids.
Links to several international firms were unearthed during the investigation, and Krish Laxmichand Shah is believed to be the mastermind of this network.
While the illicit firm based its operations out of Dubai, UAE, its technical and financial logistics were carried out by firms based in India.
Fairplay platform illegally streamed the IPL and other cricket games, the official rights for which were held by Viacom 18.
After the firm registered a loss of around ₹100 crore following this illegal act by fairplay, a complaint with serious charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, and Copyright Act, 1957, was filed.
Mahadev betting app involvement
Fairplay is linked to the infamous Mahadev betting app, developed by Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal.
The ED has been probing the ‘Mahadev book app’ case over several accusations of money laundering.
17 celebrities and influencers have come under the central and state agencies’ scanners for their alleged involvement with the now-discredited app.
Actor Sahil Khan was arrested in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, on April 27, while Tamannaah Bhatia was summoned by the cyber cell of the Maharashtra police in this case.
Last October, Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor were called in for questioning by the ED for receiving payments to promote the betting app.
Likewise, comedy superstar Kapil Sharma’s name also popped up during the investigations. Actors Hina Khan and Huma Qureshi, too, were summoned by the central agency to understand their involvement in the app.
Besides quizzing these actors, the Maharashtra police cyber cell has already recorded statements from rapper Badshah and the managers of actors Sanjay Dutt and Jacqueline Fernandez.
(With inputs from syndicated feed)
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