ED Raids Nine Locations in Fairplay App Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a significant investigation into Fairplay, an online betting platform linked to the Mahadev Online Book group, conducting searches at nine locations across Delhi, Noida, and Mumbai. The ED's probe centers on allegations of money laundering and unauthorized streaming of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, with claims that Fairplay misused payment gateways to distribute betting winnings while evading law enforcement. A complaint from Viacom18 Media Pvt Limited has alleged that Fairplay caused a revenue loss of over ₹100 crore by illegally streaming content and operating through shell companies. Recent investigations revealed that funds were funneled through complex banking networks and that over 400 shell accounts were utilized to facilitate these transactions. Seizures during the raids included cash, luxury items, and incriminating documents, as the agency continues to uncover links between Fairplay and various financial operators. The case highlights the broader issue of illegal online betting and its impact on legitimate media rights holders.