The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached authorities in Oman seeking permission to interrogate Saurabh Chandrakar, who is accused of being one of the key figures behind the multi-crore Mahadev Online Book betting network.
Officials familiar with the development said the ED recently routed its request through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The agency wants to question Chandrakar as part of its money-laundering investigation into the alleged betting syndicate. The request is currently awaiting a response from the Omani authorities.
ED Wants Answers on Betting Network and Money Trail
The proposed interrogation is expected to cover several aspects of the investigation, including how the alleged betting operation was structured, the people who allegedly assisted the network and the movement of money generated through betting activities.
Investigators are also seeking information about alleged payments made to influential individuals in return for protection, the role of intermediaries and the methods allegedly used to move funds through different financial channels.
Sources said Chandrakar has indicated that he is willing to cooperate with Indian agencies and provide information about what he describes as the “entire network”. This could include details of alleged political beneficiaries, intermediaries, financial dealings and assets held outside India.
However, sources said his cooperation is linked to an assurance regarding protection as a witness.
Interpol Notice Raises Questions Over Identity Details
The latest development comes amid continuing legal proceedings involving Chandrakar outside India.
At the request of UAE authorities, INTERPOL reportedly issued another Red Corner Notice against him. However, details contained in the UAE-linked notice reportedly differ from information available in Indian records.
The notice reportedly lists Chandrakar’s nationality and place of birth as the Vanuatu Islands and gives his date of birth as January 13, 1995.
Indian records, meanwhile, identify him as a native of Bhilai in Chhattisgarh. Those records reportedly state that he lived in Sector-8 of Bhilai and was the son of Rameshwar Prasad Chandrakar, who worked as a tax officer with the Bhilai Municipal Corporation.
Investigators have previously linked Chandrakar’s early life and business activities to the Durg region before he allegedly shifted his betting operations to Dubai in 2019.
Marriage Details Also Under Scrutiny
Questions have also reportedly emerged over Chandrakar’s marital status.
Documents connected with the UAE proceedings allegedly describe him as single. This has drawn attention because investigators have previously examined his high-profile wedding celebrations held in Ras Al Khaimah in February 2023.
The celebrations became an important part of the ED’s investigation after officials estimated that around ₹200 crore was spent in cash on the event.
Investigators have also maintained that members of Chandrakar’s family continue to have a presence in Dubai.
The differences appearing in official records over his nationality, birthplace and marital status could become significant during proceedings concerning his identity and possible transfer to India.
UAE Case Centres on Alleged Money Laundering
The proceedings in the UAE are connected to allegations that proceeds generated from criminal activities in India were subsequently moved through the UAE financial system.
The UAE case documents reportedly invoke the country’s anti-money-laundering legislation, including Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018 and related amendments and regulations. The alleged offence carries a maximum punishment of up to 15 years, according to the documents.
The case summary reportedly states that UAE’s Anti-Money Laundering Department received information in May 2024 about suspected laundering of proceeds originating from offences committed outside the country.
According to the allegations, individuals of Indian origin allegedly transferred funds into the UAE and used them to acquire luxury properties and commercial assets. Some properties were allegedly registered under the names of third parties, with commissions allegedly being paid to facilitate the transactions.
Hawala Network Allegedly Used to Move Funds
The UAE case documents also allege that Chandrakar and his associates moved to the UAE after the alleged offences in India and used various financial channels to conceal the origin of the money.
Investigators have alleged that hawala networks were among the mechanisms used to transfer funds into the UAE.
The case summary reportedly identifies Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal Jagdish as the first and second accused and describes both as Vanuatu citizens. The UAE authorities have alleged that the duo was involved in establishing the “Mahadev Online Book Platform” and that the alleged fraud against gamblers crossed $50 million.
Another accused, identified as Vikash, has been alleged to have transferred around 400 million UAE dirhams during 2020 and 2021.
Dubai Properties and Front Companies Under Investigation
According to the UAE documents, some of the alleged proceeds were invested in Dubai real estate and companies.
Authorities have alleged that properties and other assets were placed in the names of Chandrakar, Uppal and other individuals connected with the alleged network. Several companies were also allegedly used to hold properties and operate bank accounts.
Investigators reportedly found that some of these entities had little or no visible commercial activity, including a lack of employees or operational business premises. The agencies suspect that such structures were used to disguise the ownership and source of funds.
The ED’s request to question Chandrakar in Oman could therefore provide investigators with an opportunity to seek direct answers about the alleged betting operation, its financial architecture, overseas assets and the individuals who may have played a role in the network.
