The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials have revealed that Mahadev Book app mastermind Saurabh Chandrakar operates a mirror illegal betting app in Pakistan as well with the support from D-company, ISI, local agencies and politicians who provide logistical support and protection.
The ED said that the illegal betting app is operational under an Islamic name and was launched in 2021 during the pandemic with support from Dawood Ibrahim. It is believed that Chandrakar and his partner Ravi Uppal invested Rs 300 crore to Rs 500 crore at the time. Chandrakar’s Pakistani illegal betting network is operated in a similar manner as Mahadev Book in India. Lahore, Karachi and Hyderabad are the cities where its centres are located.
The ED further revealed that Chandrakar’s Pakistani network operates on a 30:70 profit sharing model with 30% of the share going to the franchisee and the remaining to the masterminds. It is believed that several Pakistani franchise owners, partners and D-company associates also attended Chandrakar’s wedding in the UAE in February of this year. The ED is currently examining the wedding video footage to determine the same, reported The Free Press Journal.
The ED is understood to be aware of the name of the Pakistani version of Mahadev Book illegal betting app. However, they are refraining from disclosing it as the investigation is in its formative stages. The area of interest for the enforcement agency is to dissect the money laundering network used where proceeds of crime are being sent from India to Pakistan to operate and expand the illegal betting network there.
The Pakistani version is accessible through various websites and platforms which are used to generate user IDs, collect funds, distribute user credentials, engage with customers and disburse winnings. All the franchises (panels and branches) are centrally managed from Dubai headquarters with active involvement from Chandrakar and Uppal. Interestingly, it is learnt that the duo not only provide protection money to the D-company but also allow them to conduct their own business with no profit sharing using its own panels and branches.
Notably, as per the Prevention of Gambling Act, 1977 all forms of gambling are banned in Pakistan including lotteries. The penalties applicable for violations are heavy and jail terms can go up to five years.