CBI Extradites Mahadev Betting Syndicate Promoter Sourabh Chandrakar from Oman

The Central Bureau of Investigation in coordination with central enforcement agencies successfully secured the extradition of Sourabh Chandrakar from Oman, News On AIR reported. Chandrakar stands accused of promoting the Mahadev Online Book illegal gambling syndicate pegged at approximately 6,000 crore rupees, NDTV noted. A specialized federal team deputed to the Sultanate of Oman took custody of the fugitive promoter and escorted him to Indian territory. The accused is wanted across two federal chargesheets alongside an Enforcement Directorate investigation where a formal prosecution complaint has been filed, The Economic Times reported. Chandrakar will undergo medical evaluation and be transferred to Raipur on transit remand to face trial before a special court on November 2, according to Economic Times.

Structure of the Offshore Betting Network

The Central Bureau of Investigation initiated legal proceedings into the offshore gambling enterprise following a formal request from the Chhattisgarh state government, The Economic Times reported. Federal investigations established that the digital betting network operated as one of the country's largest illicit gambling operations managed from overseas jurisdictions. The commercial betting network offered wagering services on cricket matches, football contests, and card games through a broad system of franchised panels and local branches. Franchised branch operators enrolled domestic users and collected betting capital across multiple states on behalf of the syndicate.

Applications under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, have been filed against Sourabh Chandrakar and associates for declaring them Fugitive Economic Offenders as well as confiscation of properties, with total attachment, seizure, and freezing standing at Rs. 4336 Crore (approx.), according to Directorate of Enforcement.

Investigators discovered that illegal gambling revenues were routed through numerous mule bank accounts and layered across complex financial transactions, The Economic Times reported. The illicit funds were subsequently transferred overseas through informal hawala channels to conceal beneficial ownership. Furthermore, agency inquiries revealed that syndicate operators deployed portions of the illicit proceeds to pay protection money to public officials to facilitate operations without hindrance. The sustained financial layering enabled the enterprise to operate while evading standard financial surveillance, according to Economic Times.

International Coordination and Statutory Prosecutions

Law enforcement authorities in Muscat located and detained Chandrakar following an Interpol Red Corner Notice issued by Indian agencies, NDTV reported. Indian authorities subsequently submitted comprehensive extradition dossiers containing investigative evidence gathered by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. Federal prosecutors identified Chandrakar as a principal accused party across official charging documents submitted to special courts, NDTV noted. Federal officials described the successful custody transfer as an important milestone in ongoing efforts to bring back foreign-based fugitives to face Indian legal proceedings.