Online Betting Case: Probe Agency Attaches Assets Worth Rs 307 Crore

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets valued at approximately Rs 307.16 crore in the Fairplay betting app investigation. This attachment, executed on September 19 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002, includes various assets such as bank balances, villas, flats, and land parcels located in Dubai.

According to ED officials, the investigation targets Fairplay, an organization accused of conducting illegal sports broadcasting and online betting operations. The investigation commenced following an FIR registered by Mumbai's Nodal Cyber Police, which alleged that Fairplay and its associates caused losses exceeding Rs 100 crore through unauthorized streaming and betting activities. Subsequently, numerous related FIRs from across the country have been incorporated into this case.

Investigators have discovered that criminal proceeds amounting to several hundred crores were channeled abroad using sophisticated trade-based money laundering techniques.

The ED investigation has identified Krish L Shah as the operation's mastermind. Shah allegedly established multiple offshore companies, including Play Ventures NV and Dutch Antilles Management NV in Curacao, Fair Play Sport LLC and Fairplay Management DMCC in Dubai, and Play Ventures Holding Limited in Malta. According to the agency, Shah orchestrated Fairplay's operations from Dubai with assistance from close associates such as Anil Kumar Dadlani. Shah, along with family members and associates, reportedly acquired numerous properties in the UAE, both under their own names and through affiliated entities.

Prior to this action, the ED conducted multiple search operations on June 12, August 27, September 27, and October 25, 2024. These raids resulted in the seizure of digital devices and documents, as well as the freezing of several bank accounts. The agency also issued Provisional Attachment Orders on November 22 and December 26, 2024, and January 15, 2025.

On February 12, 2025, the agency apprehended two key suspects, Chintan Shah and Chirag Shah. A prosecution complaint was subsequently filed before a special PMLA Court in Mumbai in April 2025.

With this latest attachment order, the total value of seized and attached assets in the case has reached over Rs 651.31 crore. The investigation continues to progress.