In a significant development related to the money laundering case linked to the underworld-associated betting platform, the Mahadev Book app, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has undertaken a series of raids on the premises of eight cash courier units (known as Angadias) in Mumbai. These operations were carried out as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged illicit financial activities connected with the betting platform.
Sources have revealed that the ED focused its attention on Angadias located in South Mumbai and Malad regions. The suspicion was that these entities played a pivotal role in facilitating the flow of cash to hawala operators, acting upon the directives of the Mahadev Book app’s promoters, namely Saurabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal.
Angadias, traditionally employed by jewelers, bullion traders, and various businesses, specialize in transporting liquid cash and precious metals, often for a nominal fee.
The ED’s inquiry suggests that these Angadias may have played a part in the alleged money laundering activities surrounding Chandrakar’s wedding, held in Dubai earlier this year. The investigation indicates that significant sums of money were channeled through the Angadias to an event management company responsible for organizing the wedding, which featured the attendance of prominent film stars, as per sources. Furthermore, the agency suspects that these actors received their payments in cash through hawala operators.
This development comes in the wake of ED raids conducted at the event management company premises in August as part of the wider probe into the activities of Chandrakar and Uppal.
Saurabh Chandrakar and his associate Ravi Uppal are the founders of multiple websites and apps operating under the banner of the Mahadev Book app. These platforms offer online casino and betting services, activities deemed illegal by law. The duo, originally hailing from Chhattisgarh, are believed to be evading law enforcement in Dubai.
The Mahadev Book app is reported to have a substantial turnover, ranging from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore, and boasts a vast network of franchisees across India, with a significant concentration in Chhattisgarh.
Additionally, it is alleged that Chandrakar and Uppal have consistently engaged in corrupt practices by bribing several police officials. Certain law enforcement officers are suspected to have traveled to Dubai to meet with the two fugitives.