New Delhi
In a significant development, Dubai Police apprehended Ravi Uppal, a key figure in the Mahadev Book online betting syndicate, as part of an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Uppal, facing charges of money laundering in connection with kickbacks involving Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, is subject to extradition talks between ED officials and Dubai authorities. The arrest follows a Red Corner notice issued against Uppal, demonstrating Dubai’s willingness to deport him to India, where he is wanted for alleged money laundering amounting to nearly Rs 6,000 crore.
Red Corner notices were also issued against Uppal’s accomplice, Sourabh Chandrakar, the mastermind of the illegal betting syndicate, who is currently in the UAE. The Enforcement Directorate obtained non-bailable warrants against both accused after moving a special court in Raipur. Chandrakar’s arrest is anticipated following Uppal’s apprehension.
The ED’s investigation revealed a lavish wedding in the UAE, where Rs 200 crore was spent entirely in cash, attracting scrutiny. The Mahadev Online Book Betting app, operated by Chandrakar and Uppal from Dubai, facilitated illegal betting websites, creating a complex network of Benami bank accounts for money laundering. The ED’s recent searches across Raipur, Bhopal, Mumbai, and Kolkata resulted in the seizure of illegal assets worth Rs 417 crore. The agency is actively pursuing an international investigation, and a PMLA special court in Raipur issued non-bailable warrants against the suspects. This development underscores the ED’s efforts to address transnational financial crimes associated with the Mahadev Book syndicate.
