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courtIllegal Betting / Money LaunderingChhattisgarh / National

Mahadev Betting App Scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are investigating a massive illegal online betting and gambling syndicate centered around the Mahadev Online Book and allied platforms such as Skyexchange.com and Lotus365.com. According to investigators, the network has been active since around 2019 and was primarily operated by key individuals from outside India, notably from Dubai. Estimates by authorities suggest the illegal operations generated and laundered tens of thousands of crores of rupees in proceeds of crime. Investigators have alleged that funds from these operations were layered and channeled into foreign portfolio investments and corporate acquisitions in India.

State

Chhattisgarh

First reported

September 2023

Estimated victims

Lakhs of users

Amount alleged

₹6,000+ Cr (alleged)

Agency involved

CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED)

Arrests

Multiple arrests including key panel coordinator Abhishek Kumar and corporate promoter Vikas Garg

Charges or sections cited

PMLA, IPC fraud, forgery, gambling laws, and IT Act sections

Status

Ongoing investigation with multiple chargesheets filed, pending extraditions, and asset attachments

The full story

Everything you need to know about this case, in one place.

The Enforcement Directorate and CBI have taken extensive action, conducting numerous searches, freezing and attaching thousands of crores of rupees in assets linked to various accused persons, and filing multiple chargesheets. Law enforcement agencies have also targeted associated entities and individuals suspected of helping launder the illicit proceeds, including the arrest of individuals connected to corporate acquisitions allegedly financed by betting money. Additionally, authorities have issued Red Corner Notices and pursued extradition requests to bring key figures back to India to face trial.

Not yet reported: The articles do not specify the final judicial outcomes or court sentences for the accused individuals named in the chargesheets.

Where the case stands

The latest position in the reports we read.

The investigation remains active with multiple chargesheets filed by the CBI, ongoing extradition proceedings and Red Corner Notices against key suspects, and thousands of crores in assets attached by the Enforcement Directorate.

Who was affected

Described in general terms; we do not name victims.

Ordinary participants and users of the illegal betting platforms, as well as the broader financial system impacted by large-scale money laundering and corporate takeovers funded by illicit proceeds.

Timeline

Key dates as reported, oldest first.

2019The Mahadev online gambling and betting network began its operations, according to enforcement agencies.

December 2023Ebix filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy following a financial default.

7 November 2023Mumbai Police registered an FIR on a private complaint naming multiple persons in connection with a Mahadev-linked fraud and match-fixing case.

5 June 2026The Enforcement Directorate attached over nine hundred crores in assets linked to a corporate figure and controlled entities in connection with the PMLA case.

14 July 2026The Enforcement Directorate arrested a corporate promoter in the Mahadev and Skyexchange money laundering case.

24 September 2026The CBI arrested a key accused deported from the UAE at Hyderabad airport and subsequently produced him in court for remand.

How the scam worked

The method described in the reports.

The syndicate operated various online betting and gambling panels managed through networks spread across different jurisdictions.
Proceeds generated from illegal betting and gambling activities were collected and layered through hawala channels and shell companies.
Ill-gotten funds were transferred to promoters based in Dubai and other locations outside India.
Tainted money was allegedly integrated into the formal financial system through foreign portfolio investments and used to acquire corporate stakes and assets in India.

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Sources and further reading

Optional. The full story is above; these are the original reports it was prepared from.

timesofindia.indiatimes.comOriginal report thehindu.comOriginal report inventiva.co.inOriginal report Primary source / searchen.wikipedia.org When ED Can Book Dabur Family In Mahadev Betting App Scam, Why Not ED Investigating Ankiti Bose? - InventivaInventiva · 4 Oct 2026

Prepared by Report Scams, with the help of AI, from the published reports listed above. Check those reports for the latest. Cases here describe allegations. An FIR, arrest or charge is not a finding of guilt. To report a mistake, or to ask for a correction or removal, write to our Grievance Officer. See also the Safe Posting policy.