The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a sweeping nationwide crackdown on cybercrimes, mobilising its offices across more than 28 cities.
Investigators have so far identified proceeds of crime (PoC) exceeding ₹28,000 crore and attached assets worth over ₹8,500 crore in various ongoing probes, according to the media report.
According to a Times of India report, all zonal offices have been tasked with investigating cybercrime cases where FIRs have already been filed by state police or other agencies under scheduled offences of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
In addition, ED’s Special Task Force and two Headquarters Investigation Units (HIUs) in Delhi are handling high-value probes. So far, the agency has arrested at least 106 accused persons and suspects.
Last month, a two-day coordination meeting chaired by ED Director Rahul Navin in Srinagar reviewed the growing spread of cybercrime and its impact on vulnerable sections of society.
A study presented at the meeting outlined how masterminds of online scams and Ponzi schemes often operate from abroad, diverting illicit funds through hawala networks and cryptocurrency channels. The possible role of online payment gateways in facilitating such transactions is also under investigation.
The paper highlighted several major cases under probe:
- Raipur Zonal Office is investigating India’s largest cybercrime case linked to illegal betting platforms with PoC of ₹8,000 crore.
- Mumbai offices are probing cases valued at ₹6,000 crore.
- Delhi HIUs are handling cases worth ₹5,300 crore.
- Hyderabad unit is investigating cases involving ₹2,600 crore.
One of the most high-profile cases is the Mahadev Online Betting App, where the ED has tracked money laundering of over ₹8,000 crore. The investigation has involved more than 160 searches, resulting in the seizure of ₹19 crore in cash, valuables worth ₹17 crore, and the freezing of bank and DEMAT accounts containing ₹2,311 crore. Thirteen people have been arrested in connection with the case, while extradition of the app’s masterminds from the UAE is being pursued.
The app allegedly enabled large-scale illegal betting on cricket, card games, and even elections, making it one of the biggest cybercrime rackets uncovered by the agency.
