Special Court Takes Cognizance Of ED’s Prosecution Plaint In ‘Satta Matka Apps’ Case

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A special court in the city has taken cognizance of the Prosecution Complaint (PC) filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the multi-crore ‘Satta Matka Apps’ money laundering case involving the illegal betting app Dhangames.

The Indore-based Sub-Zonal Office of ED had filed the complaint on June 20 under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The court took cognizance of the matter on August 5, according to an official release issued Tuesday.

The ED launched its investigation based on an FIR filed by MP Police at Mhow Police Station, citing violations under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and the Public Gambling Act, 1867.

According to the ED, Manoj Malviya, in conspiracy with Lokesh Verma, Nikhil P. Halabhavi, and others, developed and ran Dhangames, an illegal online betting platform designed to target unsuspecting users. The proceeds from the app were allegedly laundered through benami bank accounts and the profits were shared among the accused.

Earlier, on October 27, 2023, ED conducted searches under Section 17 of PMLA, leading to seizure of incriminating documents, electronic devices, and Rs 46.58 lakh in cash, pointing to large-scale laundering activity.

Following the raids, the agency issued two Provisional Attachment Orders, freezing properties worth around Rs 9.10 crore in connection with the case.