ED has launched a massive crackdown on illegal betting networks linked to Chitradurga MLA Veerendra, seizing cash, gold, and foreign currency in raids
BENGALURU
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bengaluru Zonal Office, carried out extensive search operations on August 22 and 23, 2025, at 31 locations across India, including Gangtok, Chitradurga, Bengaluru, Hubli, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Goa, and five prominent casinos – Puppy’s Casino Gold, Ocean Rivers Casino, Puppy’s Casino Pride, Ocean 7 Casino, and Big Daddy Casino. The actions target K.C. Veerendra, MLA from Chitradurga, and his associates in connection with illegal online and offline betting activities.
According to a press release from the Enforcement Directorate, Investigations revealed that Veerendra was operating multiple online betting platforms under names like King567 and Raja567. His brother, K.C. Thippeswamy, was reportedly managing three Dubai-based companies – Diamond Softech, TRS Technologies, and Prime9Technologies – linked to Veerendra’s call center and gaming operations.
During the searches, ED seized approximately ₹12 crore in cash, including around ₹1 crore in foreign currency, gold jewellery worth ₹6 crore, silver articles weighing about 10 kg, and four vehicles under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Additionally, 17 bank accounts and two lockers were frozen, and numerous property-related documents were confiscated from Veerendra’s brother K.C. Nagaraj and his son Pruthvi N. Raj. Several incriminating documents were also recovered from other premises connected to the accused.
The probe revealed that Veerendra and his associates had traveled to Gangtok via Bagdogra to lease a land-based casino. The seized material indicated sophisticated layering of funds and complex financial transactions.
On August 23, 2025, K.C. Veerendra was arrested in Gangtok and presented before the Judicial Magistrate, who granted transit remand for his production before the jurisdictional court in Bengaluru.
The ED confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to trace the proceeds of crime and unravel the full extent of the illegal betting network.