Has the ED Filed Charges Against Winzo for Cheating and Money Laundering?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a serious chargesheet against Winzo, indicating illicit activities involving cheating and money laundering within their Real Money Gaming platform. The ongoing investigation reveals shocking revelations about the manipulation of games and unauthorized use of bots to deceive users.
Key Takeaways
- Charges filed against Winzo for cheating
- Investigation reveals manipulation of RMGs
- ED seizes assets worth Rs 690 crore
- Use of misleading terminology by Winzo
- Winzo claims to have a large user base
Bangaluru, Jan 25 (NationPress) The ED has submitted a chargesheet to a Special Court (PMLA) targeting Winzo, a firm specializing in hosting Real Money Games (RMG) via its mobile app, over allegations of cheating and money laundering, an official disclosed on Sunday.
On January 23, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bengaluru Zonal Office, filed this chargesheet before the Special Court in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, according to a statement.
The chargesheet names Winzo Pvt. Ltd. as the primary accused alongside its directors, Paavan Nanda and Saumya Singh Rathore, and its fully owned subsidiaries, both domestic and international - Winzo US Inc, Winzo SG Pte Ltd, and ZO Pvt. Ltd.
This investigation by the ED was prompted by several FIRs filed at the CEN Police Station in Bengaluru and police authorities in Rajasthan, New Delhi, and Gurugram, regarding cheating violations under the IPC, 1860.
Previously, the ED executed search and seizure operations on November 18, 2025, and December 30, 2025, at the Winzo office, the residence of its director, and the office of its accounting firm. These actions led to the confiscation of incriminating documents, electronic records, and the freezing of movable assets, including bank balances and cryptocurrency wallets, amounting to Rs 690 crore.
Winzo engages in hosting Real Money Games through its mobile application, providing over 100 gaming options with a user base of approximately 25 crore, primarily from Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities.
For these RMG services, Winzo charges a commission based on users' betting amounts. Additionally, the company has assured its users of a platform devoid of BOTs, ensuring transparency and security.
However, the investigation unveiled that a majority of the RMGs were manipulated. The analysis of game codebases, third-party developer agreements, and internal communications indicated that up until December 2023, the RMGs contained BOTs, AI, and algorithm profiles.
From May 2024 to August 2025, the company altered its BOT operations to mimic historical match-play data of dormant players against real users without their consent.
To obscure these unethical practices, Winzo mischaracterized the use of BOTs and simulated players using misleading terms like EP (Engagement Play), PPP (Past Performance of Player), and Persona.
Point of View
I recognize the gravity of the allegations against Winzo. The ED's actions highlight the need for accountability in the gaming industry, ensuring that consumer rights are protected. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and ethical practices in all online platforms.
NationPress
26/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Winzo?
Winzo is charged with cheating and money laundering under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
What actions did the ED take against Winzo?
The ED conducted searches, seized incriminating documents and assets worth Rs 690 crore.
How did Winzo allegedly manipulate games?
The investigation found that Winzo embedded bots in their games to manipulate outcomes without user consent.
What is the user base of Winzo?
Winzo claims to have around 25 crore users primarily from Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities.
What measures were promised to users by Winzo?
Winzo assured users that their platform is free from bots and is transparent and secure.
