Post-Gaming Ban, ED Nabs Karnataka MLA in Massive Betting Bust

ED Arrests Congress MLA in Illegal Betting Probe

In a major crackdown following the new parliamentary bill banning online money-based games, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Congress MLA KC Veerendra from Karnataka. The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into a large-scale illegal betting operation allegedly run by the legislator and his associates.

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Massive Seizures During Raids

The arrest followed extensive searches conducted by the ED at 31 locations across the country, including prominent casinos in Goa and Gangtok. During these raids, the agency made significant seizures. This included approximately ₹12 crore in cash (with ₹1 crore in foreign currency), gold jewellery worth around ₹6 crore, and several high-end vehicles. The ED also froze 17 bank accounts and recovered numerous property documents.

Vast Betting Network Uncovered

According to the ED, the investigation has revealed that the MLA was operating multiple illegal betting platforms. The probe also uncovered that his brother was running Dubai-based firms allegedly linked to call centers and gaming operations connected to the betting network. The agency stated that digital evidence points to a complex system of layering funds to hide the illicit proceeds.

Following his arrest in Gangtok, KC Veerendra was produced before a local magistrate to obtain a transit remand. He will now be brought to Bengaluru to face the jurisdictional court as the investigation into the sprawling illegal betting empire continues.

Image Source: Amar Ujala