Betting syndicate kingpin extradited from Oman by CBI

PABITRA BANERJEE: A major breakthrough against transnational organized crime, CBI in coordination with other Central agencies, has extradited Sourabh Chandrakar, the promoter and alleged kingpin of the Mahadev App illegal online betting syndicate, from the Sultanate of Oman. A specially deputed CBI team escorted Chandrakar back to India from Muscat to face criminal prosecution, with authorities confirming he will be produced before the Special CBI Court in Raipur. Chargesheets in the matter have been filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, provisions of the Indian Penal Code relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating, and forgery, as well as the Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prohibition) Act, with Chandrakar named as a key accused. CBI investigations established that the multi-crore syndicate operated through franchised panels and branches across India, routing illicit betting proceeds through thousands of mule bank accounts, layered transactions, and hawala channels. Probe findings also revealed that a portion of the funds was used to pay protection money to public servants to ensure unhindered operations. Chandrakar was initially located and detained by the Royal Oman Police following a Red Corner Notice issued against him. Subsequent extradition proposals, accompanied by gathered evidence, were submitted by the CBI and ED, and pursued in close coordination with Indian government agencies, the Interpol National Central Bureau, and Omani authorities. Expressing gratitude to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Royal Oman Police, the CBI described the operation as a major milestone in India’s ongoing crackdown on foreign-based fugitives running transnational criminal enterprises.