Pune: The Central government recently exposed betting by some companies on IPL matches. Advertisements of one of these companies have been displayed at PMPML bus stops.
In this backdrop, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) collected data about agents running hawala rackets in the city. Their transactions are being monitored.
Betting on cricket and other sports has increased in Pune. Therefore, the companies taking bets online have focused on Pune. The Centre had banned 138 big companies taking online bets in February. Even then, some companies continued their operations. The ED had registered a case by May end this year. Its investigation is underway.
An action taken by the Pune Police had exposed the activities of the bookies in Pune. It was found that some bookies were operating from Dubai ahead of the IPL matches. It is said that some bookies were in touch with their counterparts in Pakistan. It was suspected that they had joined hands. Meanwhile, the central agencies have focused on the bookies in Pune and have prepared their dossiers.
The central probe agencies, particularly the ED, have collected data about these bookies from hawala dealers. Details such as the number of bookies dealing in money through hawala, their annual turnover, the cities they operate in, etc, are being collected. The data is being cross-checked and the probe agencies are trying to net big fish.
The ICC World Cup matches will begin in October in India. Five matches will be played in Pune. There is a likelihood of huge bets during these matches. Hence, a network of bettors is being traced. Big-time betting is likely to take place during the General Election next year. Therefore, massive action will be taken against bettors in the city.
Valuables worth Rs 417 crore seized
The ED seized valuables worth Rs 417 crore by raiding a big app company taking bets online. Raids were conducted in Kolkata, Bhopal and Mumbai. Some Pune connections were revealed during the investigation of the case. The ED is investigating in that direction, said sources.
