ED Takes Action Against Pakistani-Owned Betting Platform
The Enforcement Directorate has taken decisive legal action against an international betting operation. On Sunday, the agency confirmed it filed a formal chargesheet against Magicwin, a controversial betting website. This platform operates under Pakistani ownership with its base in the United Arab Emirates.
Legal Proceedings Begin in Ahmedabad Court
The prosecution complaint, which functions as a chargesheet under Indian law, was officially submitted on January 15. The special Prevention of Money Laundering Act court in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, received the document. This legal move marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation.
The case names fourteen individuals and entities as accused parties. These parties face serious allegations related to money laundering activities. The entire investigation stems from an original complaint filed by Ahmedabad's cyber crime police unit.
Illegal Streaming of Cricket Matches
Authorities discovered that the Magicwin portal engaged in unauthorized activities during a major sporting event. The website illegally hosted, streamed, and broadcast the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 matches. This action directly violated the exclusive broadcasting rights granted by the International Cricket Council to Star India Private Limited.
During their thorough probe, ED investigators uncovered crucial ownership details. Magicwin Sports Limited, a company registered in the United Kingdom, owns the Magicwin brand portal. Two Pakistani nationals, Gulab Harji Mal and Omesh Kumar Gurnani, serve as directors for this company. Both individuals currently reside in the UAE.
Betting Operations and Financial Channels
The betting platform operated through both a website and a mobile application. These platforms functioned as comprehensive betting exchanges. They offered sports betting and leisure gambling opportunities to users across multiple sports.
- Cricket matches attracted significant betting activity
- Tennis tournaments featured prominently on the platform
- Football games drew considerable betting interest
- Horse racing events completed their sports offerings
The platform provided live match streaming and real-time scorecards to users placing bets. Financial transactions flowed through carefully arranged mule accounts designed to obscure the money trail.
Celebrity Promotions and Illegal Transfers
Investigators made another disturbing discovery during their examination. Several well-known celebrities and social media influencers actively promoted the Magicwin platform. Their endorsements helped attract users to the illegal betting service.
The financial proceeds from these betting operations followed complex pathways. Operators used traditional hawala channels alongside modern cryptocurrency transactions to move funds. This combination of old and new money transfer methods complicated the tracking process for authorities.
Government Stance on Online Betting
This case emerges against a backdrop of increasing government concern about online betting. In October 2025, the central government implemented a ban on real-money online gaming and betting platforms. Officials described these activities as both a financial and social menace.
The government specifically noted that such platforms drain hard-earned money from users. Young people face particular vulnerability to these financial drains according to official statements. This case against Magicwin represents a concrete enforcement action following that policy decision.
The Enforcement Directorate continues its investigation into the broader network involved in these operations. The chargesheet filing represents just one phase in what promises to be an extended legal process.
