Rs 80,000 crore betting scam: CBI extradites Mahadev App kingpin from Oman

NEW DELHI: In a major breakthrough against transnational organized crime, CBI in coordination with other Central agencies, has extradited Sourabh Chandrakar, the promoter and alleged kingpin of the Mahadev App illegal online betting syndicate, from the Sultanate of Oman. A special CBI team travelled to Muscat, took custody of Chandrakar, and escorted him back to India.

Following a mandatory medical examination and the acquisition of a transit remand, he will be taken to Raipur and produced before the CBI Special Judge Monday. Chandrakar is wanted in two CBI cases, in which chargesheets have already been filed, as well as an Enforcement Directorate (ED) case where a prosecution complaint has been submitted and several properties in India and abroad have been attached.

The investigation into the Mahadev Online Book cases was taken up by the CBI at the request of the Chhattisgarh government. The probe revealed that the syndicate operated as one of the country's largest illegal online betting networks run from outside India, facilitating unlawful betting on cricket, football, card games, and other events through a widespread system of franchised "panels" and "branches."

Proceeds from the illegal betting network were funneled through numerous mule bank accounts, layered via multiple transactions, and moved overseas through hawala channels. CBI investigations also established that a portion of the illicit funds was used to pay protection money to public servants to ensure the unhindered operation of the syndicate. Chargesheets in the matter have been filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery, as well as the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act, with Chandrakar named as a key accused.

Chandrakar was initially located and detained by the Royal Oman Police following a Red Corner Notice issued against him. Subsequent extradition proposals, accompanied by gathered evidence, were submitted by the CBI and ED, and pursued in close coordination with Indian government agencies, the Interpol National Central Bureau, and Omani authorities. The CBI expressed gratitude to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Royal Oman Police for their cooperation, highlighting the strong bilateral relations and mutual commitment to combating international crime. The extradition represents a key milestone in India's ongoing efforts to hold foreign-based fugitives accountable under Indian law, CBI said.