GUWAHATI: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Guwahati Zonal Office, has conducted multiple search operations in connection with a large-scale illegal IPL cricket betting racket and money laundering case linked to proceeds generated from the operation.
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According to an official press release issued on Wednesday, May 27, the searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at several locations in Guwahati and Tinsukia in Assam, as well as in New Delhi.
The ED stated that the investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered by the Crime Branch Police Station, Guwahati, against Deepesh Bajoria, Ronak Bajoria, Rajesh Jain and others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Assam Game and Betting Act, 1970.
Subsequently, the agency recorded an additional ECIR by incorporating two more FIRs registered by Tinsukia Police Station against Bikash Beria, Nitin Beria, Surpit Biswas and others for operating interconnected illegal IPL betting syndicates.
Investigators revealed that the accused persons were running a well-organised and technologically enabled betting and gambling network on IPL cricket matches. Bets were accepted and settled through mobile phones using encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram, along with offshore online betting platforms.
The ED further stated that the proceeds from betting were received and distributed both in cash and through digital channels, including UPI and bank transfers. The money was layered and projected as untainted assets through a network of family members and associates spread across Guwahati, Tinsukia and Delhi.
Search operations were conducted at the residences of Deepesh Bajoria, Ronak Bajoria, Rajesh Jain, Vikash Agarwal, Surpit Biswas, Bikash Beria, Nitin Beria and Durga Prasad Beria, besides a commercial establishment operating under the name “Roycee” in Guwahati, formerly known as “Playboy”.
During the raids, the ED seized several incriminating materials, including digital devices such as mobile phones and electronic storage media containing records of betting transactions, coded communications with punters and sub-agents, and digital trails of money movement linked to the alleged proceeds of crime.
The agency also recovered and seized unaccounted cash amounting to ₹13 lakh from the searched premises.
Additionally, three high-end vehicles suspected to have been purchased using proceeds from the illegal betting activities, were also seized during the operation.
The ED further informed that several bank accounts allegedly used for illegal IPL betting activities and routing of proceeds of crime have been frozen to prevent further dissipation of funds.
Further investigation into the case is currently underway.