The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has taken major action in an alleged money laundering case linked to the RummyCulture app and other online real-money gaming platforms.
The agency’s Bengaluru Zonal Office has provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth ₹442.35 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The assets include fixed deposits, commercial properties, a villa and several residential properties.
According to the agency, the attached properties are held in the names of family members of shareholders of Gameskraft Technologies, private family trusts and various associated entities.
The action forms part of the investigation into financial transactions linked to the online gaming platforms.
How Did the ED Probe Begin?
The money laundering investigation was initiated following multiple FIRs registered in Telangana alleging cheating through online gaming platforms.
The agency subsequently examined how the alleged proceeds were generated, moved and used, as well as the properties allegedly acquired or created from such funds.
Earlier, the agency conducted search and seizure operations between May 7 and May 14, 2026, at the offices of Gameskraft and the residences of its directors and key employees.
Documents and financial records recovered during the searches were examined as part of the subsequent investigation.
The probe also covers the online real-money gaming activities of Gameskraft Technologies and Rummy Time Technologies. The companies allegedly operated gaming platforms through mobile applications under brands including RummyCulture, Rummy Prime, Playshop and Rummy Time.
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What Did the ED Find?
The agency has claimed that a significant number of users on these platforms were from states where online real-money gaming had been banned.
These states include Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Investigators examined the money deposited by users, commissions charged by the platforms and the flow of revenue generated from the activities.
According to the agency, the companies charged platform commissions ranging between 10% and 15% on amounts staked by users. The agency has alleged that users were assured that the platforms were transparent and fair and that there were no automated players or bots.
However, the investigation allegedly found that bots were deployed against users without their knowledge or consent.
The agency has claimed that the alleged bot activity resulted in financial losses for several users while generating revenue for the companies. The investigation also examined strategies allegedly used to attract new users and retain existing users on the gaming platforms for longer periods.
How Were Users Attracted?
According to the investigation, around ₹1,035 crore was spent on promotional campaigns to attract new users. The agency has alleged that users were encouraged to play games and make larger deposits through bonuses, referral incentives, free tournament entries and promotional rewards.
The agency has further alleged that offers such as “Super Booster” were used to encourage users to convert withdrawable balances into non-withdrawable “Game Cash”.
According to the agency, such strategies were intended to keep users engaged with the platforms for longer periods and increase the amount of money deposited.
What Happens to the Attached Properties?
The provisional attachment of properties worth ₹442.35 crore forms part of the ongoing investigation. The assets include financial investments as well as commercial and residential properties.
Further action will depend on the financial transactions identified during the investigation, the source of the attached properties and their alleged links to the proceeds under investigation.
A provisional attachment under the PMLA does not amount to a final confiscation of the property. The attachment is subject to the statutory legal process, including proceedings before the competent authority and other steps prescribed under the law.
The investigation into the alleged financial transactions and the role of individuals and entities connected with the case remains ongoing.
The ₹442.35 crore attachment is a significant step in the money laundering investigation, but it does not establish final liability or permanently confiscate the properties. The next stage will depend on the statutory PMLA process and evidence linking the attached assets to the alleged proceeds under investigation.
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