ED Strikes Hard: Big Daddy Casino Network Under Scrutiny, Rs 3.25 Crore Seized in Major Money Laundering Crackdown

In a significant escalation of its ongoing investigation into illegal gambling and money laundering, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a series of widespread raids targeting the prominent 'Big Daddy Casino' network. These simultaneous operations, executed across key locations in Goa, Sikkim, and Mumbai, have led to the substantial seizure of cash, cryptocurrency, and other valuable assets totaling approximately Rs 3.25 crore.

The raids are part of a meticulous probe initiated by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Investigators focused on various premises linked to the 'Big Daddy Casino' and its associated entity, 'Golden Eye Communications Pvt Ltd.' The primary objective of these actions is to dismantle a sophisticated network allegedly involved in illegal online betting, fraudulent casino operations, and large-scale hawala transactions – a clandestine method of transferring money that bypasses legal banking channels.

During the extensive search operations, ED officials confiscated a staggering Rs 47.79 lakh in Indian currency, underscoring the illicit cash flow within the network.

In addition to the physical cash, gold worth approximately Rs 60 lakh and other valuable items valued at Rs 12.31 lakh were also seized. A major breakthrough came with the freezing of several cryptocurrency accounts that held funds equivalent to Rs 2.05 crore, highlighting the evolving methods used by illicit operators to move and hide laundered money.

This latest crackdown is a direct continuation of a broader investigation that previously saw the ED attach assets worth Rs 60 crore belonging to the alleged masterminds behind these operations.

Noteworthy among the individuals under scrutiny is Chikoti Praveen, who was arrested earlier in connection with the case. The agency's scrutiny extends to other key individuals, including Pankaj Agrawal, Rajesh Agrawal, Anil Agrawal, and Rakesh Kothari, all reportedly linked to the intricate web of casino and online betting activities.

The ED's persistent efforts aim to expose and dismantle the entire ecosystem of illegal gambling and associated financial crimes that often fuel other illicit activities.

The agency has reiterated its commitment to tracking down and seizing laundered assets, sending a strong message that those who exploit loopholes in the financial system for personal gain will be held accountable. The investigation remains active, with further actions and arrests anticipated as the Directorate continues to unravel the full extent of this sprawling money laundering enterprise.