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Co-founder of Mahadev betting app was arrested in Dubai after an Interpol notice, with extradition proceedings underway.
NEW DELHI: Sourabh Chandrakar, a prominent figure behind the Mahadev online betting app, was arrested in Dubai after an Interpol Red Corner notice was issued at the request of India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED). On Friday, UAE authorities notified India’s Ministry of External Affairs about Chandrakar’s arrest.
The ED confirmed they are preparing the necessary extradition documentation to return Chandrakar to India. He had been under “house detention” in Dubai since December 2023.
Chandrakar plays a crucial role in ongoing investigations into money laundering connected to the Mahadev Book Online app. This app reportedly has ties to various political figures in Chhattisgarh and other regions. In the ED’s initial charge sheet submitted to a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur, Chandrakar was named alongside others, including a statement from his uncle, Dilip Chandrakar. This statement revealed that Sourabh ran a juice shop in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, before relocating to Dubai in 2019.
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Authorities claim that Chandrakar’s lavish wedding in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, in February 2023 cost approximately Rs 200 crore. The extravagant event featured private jets for guests and celebrity performances, raising eyebrows regarding the source of such funds. Investigators estimate that the total proceeds of crime linked to the Mahadev app could be around Rs 6,000 crore.
The Mahadev Online Book App operates from a central headquarters in the UAE and employs a franchising model. This model allows them to share profits with associates in a 70-30 ratio, which raises further concerns regarding its operations and financial practices. Indian agencies are actively working to secure Chandrakar’s deportation or extradition to hold him accountable in this significant money laundering case.
The ongoing investigation reflects the serious implications of online betting operations and their connections to larger financial crimes. As this case unfolds, it highlights the necessity for international cooperation in combating money laundering and other illicit activities related to online gambling platforms.
