Has the illegal betting scam led to a seizure of over Rs 100 crore involving K'taka Cong MLA Veerendra?
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Synopsis
The illegal betting scam involving K'taka Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra has escalated, with the Enforcement Directorate seizing assets exceeding Rs 100 crore. This extensive operation reveals a network of illicit online betting operations and significant financial misconduct. Discover how authorities are tracing these activities and the implications for public trust.
Key Takeaways
- Total seizures in the illegal betting scam exceed Rs 100 crore.
- Searches led to the confiscation of gold bullion and jewelry worth Rs 24 crore.
- MLA K.C. Veerendra is connected to multiple online betting platforms.
- Funds were laundered through a network of mule accounts.
- Investigation continues into the financial dealings of Veerendra and his associates.
Bengaluru, Sep 9 (NationPress) The total amount seized from the illegal betting scam involving Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra and others has now surpassed Rs 100 crore, as reported by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday.
The official announcement stated, "On September 6, the Bengaluru Zonal Office of the ED conducted searches in Challekere under the provisions of PMLA, 2002, related to the case of Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra and others accused of deceiving individuals through illegal online betting."
During these searches, authorities confiscated 24 carat gold bullion weighing 21.43 kg, 11 units of gold-coated silver bars amounting to 10.985 kg, and nearly 1 kg of gold jewelry, valued at approximately Rs 24 crore.
As a result of these seizures, the total proceeds of crime in this case have exceeded Rs 100 crore as of now. These operations and tracing of illicit proceeds occurred during the ED's custody of the primary accused, K.C. Veerendra, who is also a Chitradurga MLA.
Previously, on September 4, the ED secured a four-day extension of custody, granted by the Special Court for People's Representatives based on documentary evidence linking him to the generation and laundering of proceeds from illegal activities, facilitating further investigation into the case, according to the ED.
Further inquiries have uncovered that the accused has been operating multiple online betting platforms under names such as King567, Raja567, Lion567, Play567, and Playwin567.
The investigation also revealed that various payment gateways have been utilized for processing transactions from these websites, as per the ED.
The ED's findings indicate that MLA Veerendra, along with his family and associates, has booked numerous international travel tickets valued at crores, funded through a web of mule accounts associated with proceeds from online betting sites.
Evidence suggests that funds used for these high-value transactions were diverted from illicit online operations and laundered through multiple intermediary accounts to hide their origins, the ED stated.
The investigation has also uncovered several luxury vehicles allegedly used by MLA Veerendra and his family, registered under various individuals or entities.
Some of these vehicles include a MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 400 D 4MATIC with registration number KA55P0003 under M/s ABH Infrastructures, owned by Anil Gowda, and a Range Rover with registration number KA45N0003 financed by Gulshan Khattar of Fonepaisa.
Investigations are ongoing.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the gravity of the illegal betting case involving MLA K.C. Veerendra. The substantial seizures highlight the ongoing challenges of governance and integrity within our political systems. This situation demands our scrutiny, ensuring that justice prevails and public trust is restored.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the illegal betting scam involving K.C. Veerendra?
The illegal betting scam involves Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra, who is accused of operating online betting platforms and laundering proceeds through various accounts, leading to asset seizures exceeding Rs 100 crore.
What did the Enforcement Directorate seize?
The ED seized gold bullion, gold-coated silver bars, and gold jewelry, totaling around Rs 24 crore, as part of their investigation into the illegal betting operations.
How did the ED link Veerendra to these illegal activities?
The ED linked Veerendra to the illegal activities through documentary evidence and by tracing funds used in high-value transactions that originated from illicit online betting operations.
What are the names of the online betting sites involved?
The accused operated several online betting sites, including King567, Raja567, Lion567, Play567, and Playwin567.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the investigation by the Enforcement Directorate is ongoing, with further inquiries into the financial activities and assets associated with MLA K.C. Veerendra.
