In a significant breakthrough, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in Raipur has apprehended two individuals suspected of being key players in a money laundering network associated with the Mahadev Online Book case. Girish Talreja was taken into custody on 2nd March 2024, followed by the arrest of Suraj Chokhani on 3rd March 2024, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Both individuals were produced before the Hon’ble PMLA Special Court in Raipur, where the court granted the ED custody for seven days until 11th March 2024.
The investigation, stemming from FIRs filed by Chhattisgarh Police and subsequently by Vishakhapatnam Police and other states, has uncovered a sophisticated money laundering operation facilitated by Mahadev Online Book Betting APP. This syndicate allegedly provided platforms for illegal betting websites and funneled illicit funds through a convoluted network of benami bank accounts.
During the probe, Girish Talreja's alleged involvement in the operations of "lotus365," a sister concern of Mahadev Online Book, came to light. Talreja, along with other partners, is suspected of actively participating in the laundering of proceeds of crime generated from illegal betting activities. A search conducted under PMLA, 2002 on 1st March 2024 across multiple locations revealed evidence of substantial cash handling, with approximately Rs. 50 Crore in betting cash being managed monthly by the Pune branch of Lotus365. Additionally, Rs. 1 Crore in cash was seized during the search.
Further investigations unveiled the partnership between Hari Shankar Tibrewal and the promoters of Mahadev Online Book in illegal betting operations. Tibrewal is alleged to have utilized Suraj Chokhani to launder and conceal proceeds of crime through share investments in Indian companies. Searches conducted on 28th and 29th February 2024 revealed significant investments made through illicit means, totaling Rs. 580 Crore in stock portfolios for Indian companies and Rs. 606 Crore for foreign entities via the FPI route.
The ED's search in Goa on 4th March 2024 resulted in the seizure of Rs. 48 lakh in cash from a prominent panel operator involved in the launch of another betting book.
Overall, movable properties worth Rs. 1764.5 Crore have been seized/frozen, and two Provisional Attachment Orders have been issued, attaching movable and immovable properties valued at Rs. 142.86 Crore. Prosecution complaints have been filed, and prior to the recent arrests, nine accused had been apprehended in connection with the case.
The ED's relentless efforts aim to dismantle this elaborate money laundering network and bring all perpetrators to justice.