In a major international crackdown on the Mahadev online betting app-linked money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth approximately ₹1,700 crore in Dubai. The action targets properties allegedly linked to the betting syndicate operated from overseas, with connections spread across multiple Indian states. According to investigators, the seized assets were acquired in the names of entities associated with the main accused, Sourabh Chandrakar, and his close associates.
Luxury Properties Seized in Dubai’s Premium Zones
Officials said the attached properties are located in some of Dubai’s most premium real estate zones. These include luxury villas, high-end apartments and investments in upscale residential projects. Properties in Dubai Hills Estate, Business Bay and SLS Hotel & Residences are part of the कार्रवाई, along with several flats in the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
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Mahadev App’s ₹6,000 Crore Betting Empire Exposed
According to the agency, the funds used to acquire these properties were generated through illegal betting operations. The probe has revealed that the syndicate used thousands of mule bank accounts to layer and route money, presenting it as legitimate foreign investments before parking it in overseas real estate. This structured mechanism enabled large-scale laundering of illicit proceeds.
The Mahadev online betting app, launched in 2018, rapidly evolved into a sprawling international syndicate. Investigators estimate that at its peak, the platform generated nearly ₹200 crore in illegal proceeds ежедневно. The operation functioned through a franchise-like system of over 3,000 panels, with call centres operating from countries such as the UAE, Malaysia and Thailand. The overall scale of the alleged scam is pegged at around ₹6,000 crore.
Key Accused Chandrakar Faces Extradition from Dubai
The probe further indicates that the syndicate was controlled from abroad by Sourabh Chandrakar and his associate Ravi Uppal. Several other individuals, including Vikas Chhaparia, Rohit Gulati, Atul Arora, Nitin Tibrewal and Surendra Bagri, have also been linked to the network. Investigators suspect that a portion of the illicit funds was allegedly routed as bribes to influential individuals to secure protection and operational continuity.
Chandrakar was arrested in Dubai in October 2024 based on an Interpol Red Notice, and his extradition proceedings are currently pending before UAE courts. Meanwhile, Uppal, who was earlier detained, is believed to have fled the country. Reports suggest he may be hiding in Vanuatu, a jurisdiction that does not have an extradition treaty with India.
ED Files 5 Charge Sheets, Probe Continues
So far, the agency has filed five charge sheets in the case and arrested 13 individuals. Investigations are ongoing to trace additional assets and financial transactions linked to the syndicate, both in India and abroad.
Experts believe this action marks a significant step in tackling illegal betting and cross-border money laundering operations. While dismantling such globally dispersed networks remains complex, the latest कार्रवाई signals a more aggressive and coordinated approach by authorities.
For now, investigators continue to identify more individuals, shell entities and properties connected to the case. Further disclosures are expected in the coming days, which could shed more light on the scale and structure of the betting network and the extent of financial irregularities involved.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
