India Extradites Accused Mastermind Behind Massive Illegal Betting Syndicate

Federal authorities in India successfully extradited Sourabh Chandrakar, the alleged mastermind of a massive illegal betting syndicate, from Oman to face serious financial crimes charges in court.

A special team from the Central Bureau of Investigation escorted Chandrakar back to India following his detention by the Royal Oman Police based on an Interpol red notice.

He will face a special court in Raipur on Monday after undergoing a mandatory medical examination and acquiring a transit remand.

The case involves a vast online gambling network that operated across the nation and generated billions in illicit proceeds through franchised panels and mule bank accounts.

Investigators allege that the syndicate funneled a portion of the illicit funds through hawala channels to pay protection money to public servants and ensure unhindered operations.

The Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation submitted formal extradition proposals accompanied by gathered evidence after tracking Chandrakar to Oman.

The Central Bureau of Investigation stated in a release that the return of the accused marks a significant step in holding foreign-based fugitives accountable under Indian law.

"CBI, in coordination with other central agencies has successfully secured the extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar, the promoter of the Mahadev App illegal betting syndicate, from the Sultanate of Oman," said a spokesperson for the bureau.

Chandrakar and co-founder Ravi Uppal fled to Dubai in 2019, where authorities previously detained Chandrakar briefly under house arrest before he managed to flee to Oman.

The Times of India reported that the syndicate facilitated unlawful betting on cricket, football, card games, and other events through branches spread across the country.

Chargesheets have already been filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act.

"CBI acknowledges with gratitude the cooperation extended by the government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Royal Oman Police, which reflects the close and friendly relations between the two countries and their shared resolve to combat transnational organized crime," said the spokesperson.

Authorities continue to investigate several public servants and politicians who were allegedly bribed by the promoters to turn a blind eye to the illegal operations.