The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) successfully extradited Saurabh Chandrakar, a primary promoter of the controversial Mahadev online betting application, from Oman on Sunday, November 1. This significant development sees Chandrakar, wanted in multiple illegal betting cases, now back in India, set to appear before the CBI Special Court in Raipur on Monday.
Chandrakar faces charges in two CBI cases where charge sheets have already been filed. Additionally, he is an accused in a separate investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has also submitted a prosecution complaint against him. The CBI initiated its probe into the Mahadev Online Book (MOB) case following a direct request from the Chhattisgarh government.
Described by the agency as "one of the largest illegal online betting syndicates in the country," MOB operated extensively from outside India. Its network facilitated illegal betting on a range of events, including cricket, football, and various card games. The syndicate utilized franchised "panels" and "branches" across India to enroll users and collect wagers.
Investigations reveal a sophisticated money laundering operation. Proceeds from these illegal activities were allegedly routed through numerous "mule accounts," subjected to complex layering transactions, and subsequently transferred abroad via hawala channels, bypassing legitimate financial systems.
The extradition process gained momentum after an Interpol Red Corner Notice was issued against Chandrakar, leading to his detention by the Royal Oman Police. Both the CBI and ED submitted formal extradition requests to Omani authorities, supported by extensive evidence. The successful extradition involved close coordination among various Indian government agencies, the Interpol National Central Bureau, and the full cooperation of Oman's competent authorities. A CBI team traveled to Muscat to escort Chandrakar back to India.
Image: siasat.com
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf