New Delhi, May 8. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids at around 18 locations in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and other areas as part of a major operation linked to an alleged 1,000 crore rupee online betting and money laundering racket.

The raids, which began on Thursday morning, continued until 1 a.m. the following day. According to agency sources, three suspects were arrested following the searches.

The arrested individuals are Deepak Singh Ahlawat, Prithvi Kumar, and Vikas Taneja. Deepak Singh Ahlawat is a resident of Haryana, while Prithvi Kumar is from Uttarakhand.

During the operation, the ED reportedly seized several important documents, electronic devices, and other digital evidence related to the investigation. Sources said the case involves an alleged money laundering network linked to online betting and gaming worth approximately 1,000 crore rupees.

The ED’s Bengaluru regional office carried out this action against M/s Gamescraft Technology Private Limited, its directors, and several other accused in the case.

According to officials, multiple FIRs were previously registered at local police stations in Bengaluru in this regard. Subsequently, the ED took over the investigation under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and initiated further action.

The agency had also conducted a search operation last year in a separate but related case involving M/s Gamescraft Technology Private Limited and other companies.

Between November 18 and November 22 of the previous year, the ED raided the offices of M/s Nirdesh Network Private Limited (NNPL) and M/s Gamescraft Technologies Private Limited (GTPL) in Bengaluru and Gurugram, as well as the residences of their directors and other suspects.

That investigation was initiated based on FIRs registered by the Karnataka Police. According to the ED, the FIRs alleged that the gaming platform ‘Pocket52’, operated by NNPL, was involved in large-scale fraud.

The allegations included manipulation of game outcomes, collusion among players, technical glitches, restrictions on withdrawing money, and a lack of transparency on the platform.

Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, is a historic city that has been continuously inhabited for over two millennia, serving as the seat of power for numerous empires, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. Its rich history is reflected in iconic landmarks such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, which blend ancient and medieval heritage. Today, Delhi is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly combines its storied past with modern urban life, making it a vibrant cultural hub.

New Delhi

New Delhi, the capital of India, was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker and officially inaugurated in 1931 as the new administrative center of British India. It replaced Calcutta as the capital and was built to the south of the historic old city of Delhi, which had served as a capital for various empires for centuries. Today, New Delhi stands as a vibrant metropolis, blending its colonial-era architecture with modern urban life while housing the nation’s government institutions.

Delhi-NCR

Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) is a sprawling metropolitan area in India that includes Delhi and its surrounding satellite cities like Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Historically, Delhi has been the seat of numerous empires, including the Mughals and the British, leaving a rich tapestry of monuments like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar. Today, the region serves as India’s political, cultural, and economic hub, blending ancient heritage with rapid modernization.

Bengaluru

Bengaluru, also known as Bangalore, is the capital of India’s Karnataka state and is renowned as the country’s leading technology hub, earning the nickname “Silicon Valley of India.” Its history dates back to 1537 when it was founded by a local chieftain, and it later became a significant center under the British Raj, with its mild climate and green spaces earning it the title “Garden City.” Today, it blends a rich cultural heritage with modern innovation, featuring landmarks like the Bangalore Palace and lush parks such as Cubbon Park.

Haryana

Haryana is a state in northern India with a rich history dating back to the Vedic period, where it is mentioned in ancient texts and is believed to be the setting for the epic Mahabharata. It was carved out of the state of Punjab in 1966, becoming the 17th state of India, with Chandigarh as its capital. Today, Haryana is known for its agricultural productivity, vibrant folk culture, and significant historical sites like Kurukshetra.

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, is known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes and is often called “Devbhumi” or “Land of the Gods” due to its numerous Hindu pilgrimage sites. Historically, the region was part of the ancient kingdom of Garhwal and Kumaon, and it was formed in 2000 as the 27th state of India, carved out of the northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh. Its cultural heritage is deeply tied to sacred rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna, as well as famous temples such as Badrinath and Kedarnath.

Gurugram

Gurugram, formerly known as Gurgaon, is a major satellite city southwest of New Delhi in India, renowned as a leading financial and technological hub. Its modern transformation began in the 1970s and accelerated in the 1990s with the liberalization of the Indian economy, attracting numerous multinational corporations and real estate developers. Historically, the area has ancient roots, believed to be linked to the village of Guru Dronacharya from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, and it was a small agricultural settlement before its rapid urbanization.

Karnataka

Karnataka, a state in southwestern India, has a rich history dating back to ancient empires like the Maurya and Satavahana, and later the Vijayanagara Empire, which left iconic ruins at Hampi. Known for its diverse culture, it is home to the classical dance form Yakshagana, the Carnatic music tradition, and architectural marvels like the Mysore Palace. The state is also a modern hub for technology and innovation, with Bengaluru serving as India’s Silicon Valley.